The 1988 GMC Sierra is a classic truck that was in a different league altogether, and here's why
For some, the 1988 GMC Sierra is a name that brings back fond memories of childhood. For others, it may still be one of the go-to vehicles parked out in the driveway. Either way, there is no doubt that the appeal of the first-generation truck is much more than the subtle styling that combines the old with the new. It is a truck that was indeed a class apart from the rest, giving years of service to those lucky enough to own one. Let's dig into this a little deeper to better understand why this is a truck that you should never let go.
The 1980s brought on a considerable challenge for GM. Consumers wanted their trucks to be more comfortable to ride in, with more room to haul family and friends. The standard-size truck only allowed three adults to pack into the front, four if they were average to small. Even though many families made these trucks work for them, it was not a safe situation for many of them to find themselves. In 1988 GMC found a solution to this problem. The company created a truck, for the first time in its history, that had an extended cab, allowing people, and children, to be placed behind the front seats, turning the truck into a passenger vehicle.
One of the biggest things truck owners expect from their rides is that they should be durable. They need to be able to stand up to the roughest of roads, and they must withstand abuse when put through it. Whether a trailer needs to be pulled or a pile of rocks needs to be hauled, the truck is considered the one-size-fits-all solution. The 1988 GMC Sierra is one of the toughest trucks to come from the GMC lineup. They were in the period when the old ways met the new, so the design and comfort levels were modern. However, the rugged usability was old-school, meaning it was indeed "Like A Rock."
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In 1988, truck owners wanted to be more comfortable while in their trucks. Until this point in truck history, the truck was designed for work, not everyday use. They would bounce down the road with no care for the comfort of the occupants. The GMC truck brought a new interior design to the table. One that offered the owner more comfort and easier use. The air and heat controls had push buttons to make it simple to adjust, electronic speedometers for more accurate readings, and a modern-style stereo console that gave some noise when needed.
Having a truck that can be dependable is also high on the list of requirements for many truck owners. There have been many accounts of 1988 GMC trucks being driven for over 200,000 miles before needing any major repairs. This means that the 1988 GMC is one of the best classic trucks that money can buy unless, of course, there is already one being used. In that case, it is a good idea to keep up with the suggested maintenance routines because if the owner is diligent, there will never be the need to find a new truck to buy due to a significant breakdown on the side of the road.
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Independent front suspension on a truck was unheard of in 1988, and even today, some owners and experts claim that it should not be a thing. In '88, the GMC went outside the box and designed and produced all their trucks with this style of the front end. From then on, it had an independent front suspension system to give the truck more traction on uneven roads when hauling, towing, or playing. It created a truck that has a more stable ride than the competition. It gives the truck more comfort inside the cab because the movement of the front end cushions the blow of uneven and rocky terrain.
Another aspect of the 1988 GMC Sierra that created a truck above the rest was the fully welded frame. This effectively increases the rigidity of the truck, which means that it can handle heavy weights when towing and hauling and can hold up to a combination of stressful work requirements. Since the welds were completed on the assembly line, there will never be an issue of the weld breaking, like what happens regularly when a private person tries to put a weld into place. The frames are designed and built to hold up to any task the truck is asked to do.
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Galvanized steel is made from a piece of regular steel coated in a protecting material that can prevent corrosion and rust from forming for 50 years longer than standard paint. This addition to the 1988 GMC Sierra created a solid frame and durable components that could handle the harsh elements, and the chemicals spread onto the roads to help melt the ice. At the time, galvanized steel was not widely used in trucks, which can easily be seen if a Ford F-150 is inspected. They are famous for rusting out, which is not the case with the GMCs.
One of the first things learned in the racing world is how to make the car, or truck, more aerodynamic. The new generation of the GMC Sierra took that to heart by creating a more round look, which is way more aerodynamic than the square version of trucks that had been so popular in the 70s. Another difference that may not even be considered is the windshield. A slight change to the angle in which the front window was produced makes a big difference on the roads, especially when trying to drive straight into a mighty wind.
Trucks are designed in many shapes, sizes, and looks, all to create a vehicle that reflects what the consumer thinks it should look like. What they want to be seen driving in. But even then, there is no point in owning a truck that cannot be customized more than how it comes from the assembly plant. The 1988 GMC Sierra is a common enough truck to offer a person restoring a similar truck more parts than they will ever need. On the other hand, since they are so easy to come across, there is any type of aftermarket part available that may be required to make the truck truly unique.
Everybody wants to be like the big stars on the big screen. People mimic everything that they see their favorite actors doing. Everything from fashion and shopping trends to the cars that they endorse. If Bob Seger is not a familiar name, a quick online search is in order because back in the day, he sang a song that Chevy and GMC used for years, and the main slogan of that song hangs with the trucks to this day. "Like A Rock" compares the toughness of the Sierra to a rock, which everyone knows is hard. Yes, a rock can be broken, as can a truck, but it takes some effort, standing true to its grit until then.
I have been a muscle car and off-roading truck fanatic for as long as I can remember. I currently write on numerous platforms about anything that deals with life. Still, I am most passionate about the automotive field, especially the old-school cars that are now called classics.