1988 chevy manual 3500

The 1988 Chevy 3500 is a heavy-duty pickup truck featuring robust construction, powerful engine options, manual transmission, durable suspension system, and versatile towing capabilities. This manual covers operation, maintenance, specifications, and troubleshooting for this reliable workhorse vehicle designed for commercial and heavy-duty applications.

1. Vehicle Overview 2. Engine Specifications 3. Transmission & Drivetrain 4. Operating Instructions 5. Maintenance Schedule 6. Towing & Payload 7. Electrical System 8. Brake System 9. Troubleshooting 10. Warranty Information

Vehicle Overview

The 1988 Chevy 3500 features heavy-duty chassis construction, dual rear wheels, and reinforced frame for maximum payload capacity.

Feature	Description
GVWR	10,000 lbs maximum gross vehicle weight rating
Cab Configuration	Regular cab with 3-passenger seating
Bed Length	8-foot steel cargo bed
Wheelbase	135.5 inches standard
Fuel Capacity	34 gallons total (dual tanks)
Suspension	Heavy-duty leaf springs front and rear
Brakes	Power front disc/rear drum with dual-circuit system

Engine Specifications

Available engine options for the 1988 Chevy 3500 include gasoline V8 configurations.

Base Engine: 5.7L (350 cu in) V8 - 210 hp @ 4000 rpm, 300 lb-ft torque @ 2800 rpm
Optional Engine: 7.4L (454 cu in) V8 - 230 hp @ 3600 rpm, 385 lb-ft torque @ 1600 rpm
Fuel System: 4-barrel carburetor with electronic choke
Ignition System: High-energy electronic ignition
Cooling System: Heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler
Oil Capacity: 5 quarts with filter

Transmission & Drivetrain

Standard manual transmission with heavy-duty clutch system.

Transmission: 4-speed manual (SM465) with granny low gear
Transfer Case: 2-speed manual shift (4WD models)
Rear Axle: Full-floating 14-bolt with 4.10:1 gear ratio
Front Axle: Independent with torsion bars (2WD) or solid axle (4WD)
Clutch: 11-inch diaphragm spring, hydraulic actuation

WARNING! Always depress clutch fully when shifting. Do not ride clutch pedal.

Operating Instructions

Proper starting and driving procedures for optimal performance.

Starting: Depress clutch, turn key to start position.
Shifting: Use first gear for heavy loads or steep inclines.
4WD Operation: Stop vehicle before engaging 4WD modes.
Cruise Control: Set speed using control stalk on steering column.
Parking: Engage parking brake on inclines.

CAUTION! Allow engine to warm up before heavy loading.

Maintenance Schedule

Regular maintenance intervals for long-term reliability.

Service	Interval	Procedure
Oil Change	3,000 miles	Replace oil and filter
Coolant	30,000 miles	Drain and refill system
Spark Plugs	15,000 miles	Replace and gap to 0.045"
Brake Fluid	24,000 miles	Bleed system, replace fluid
Transmission Oil	50,000 miles	Drain and refill 90W gear oil
Clutch Adjustment	10,000 miles	Check free play (1-1.5 inches)

Towing & Payload

Maximum capacity specifications for towing and cargo.

Maximum Payload: 4,195 lbs
Conventional Towing: 10,000 lbs with weight-distributing hitch
Fifth Wheel: 12,500 lbs with proper hitch installation
GCWR: 20,000 lbs maximum gross combination weight
Trailer Brakes: Required for trailers over 2,000 lbs

WARNING! Do not exceed rated capacities. Distribute load evenly.

Electrical System

12-volt negative ground system with heavy-duty components.

Battery: Group 78, 650 CCA
Alternator: 94-amp output
Starter: High-torque direct drive
Fuses: Blade-type fuse block under dashboard
Lighting: Sealed beam headlights, separate turn signals

Brake System

Hydraulic brake system with power assist and rear proportioning valve.

Front Brakes: 12-inch disc with single piston calipers
Rear Brakes: 13x2.5-inch drum with self-adjusting mechanism
Master Cylinder: Tandem type with separate circuits
Parking Brake: Mechanical linkage to rear wheels
Brake Fluid: DOT 3 specification

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Hard starting	Weak battery, fuel delivery	Check battery voltage, fuel pump operation
Gear grinding	Clutch adjustment, syncros	Adjust clutch free play, double-clutch shifting
Overheating	Coolant level, thermostat	Check coolant, replace thermostat if stuck
Brake pull	Stuck caliper, fluid leak	Inspect calipers, check brake fluid level
Electrical issues	Ground connections, alternator	Clean battery terminals, test alternator output

Service: Contact authorized Chevrolet dealer for major repairs.