1973-91 Chevrolet/GMC SUV Vehicle History

1973

Introduced 2 speed electric windshield wiper motor. Wiper arms are partially concealed by the hood and metal portion of blades have a matte black finish. Introduced power flow through ventilation, air enters the Suburban through louvers at rear of hood panel. Pivot type vent in each door. Curved door windows.

1973-78

Woodgrain panel option which was approximately 10" wide through center of truck.

1973-80

Plain aluminum tailgate panel used with Chevrolet or GMC embossed in center of panel.

1974

Bright metal drip molding over doors.

1975-80

Vinyl adhesive molding. Standard clip on aluminum molding also used. Brushed aluminum or plain aluminum tailgate trim panel. Separate emblem attached to the lower right side of brushed aluminum back panel.

1978

A RMC Trim label was released by GM Engineering Dept. which advises a rolling change of 1979 trim installed on the 1978 model year.

1979

A RMC Trim label was released by GM Engineering Dept. which advises a rolling change of 1980 trim installed on the 1979 model year.

1980

Official introduction of the square headlight with chrome grille. Round headlight used on painted grille. Last year for GM to use custom VIN number.

1981

Hood and front fenders were restyled for improved aerodynamics. Models lost up to 279 pounds through lighter glass, bumpers and body parts. On 4WD models, front quad shocks and automatic front locking hubs that worked at speeds up to 25 mph were available. Electronic Spark Control was introduced on the 305ci engine, standard on 2WD half-ton models. 350ci was standard on all other models. 400ci engine was dropped.

1982

High Sierra trim was added to GMC models, Sierra Grande package was dropped. 6.2L 379ci diesel available. 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive available.

1983

Parking lights moved from the front bumper to the lower grille corners. The horizontal center bar on the grille was painted body color on Chevrolet models.

1984

Anti-chip coating added to lower fenders and body area. Parking brake system improved. New cruise control allowed 1 mph increase and decrease.

1985

Chevy grilles received wider horizontal center bar. Windshield wiper system was revised. Clutch operation was changed to hydraulic.

1986

Serpentine belt system was added to gas engines.

1987

All gas engines were available with throttle body electronic fuel injection, allowing better fuel economy, reduced emissions and more power.

1988

Scottsdale trim replaced Custom Deluxe. SLX and SLE replaced Sierra, High Sierra and Sierra Classic trim levels. New fixed antenna and trip odometer were added. 350ci became standard engine, replacing the 305ci.

1989

All trim levels received minor interior and exterior changes.

1990

Rear wheel anti-lock brakes were standard. 7.4L received Electronic Spark Control.

1991

350ci and 454ci engines received reliability improvements. 4-speed electronic automatic with overdrive 4L80-E transmission offered.

1973

Redesigned models featured curved side glass and an optional hardtop. A conventional tailgate was offered on open utility versions; hardtop versions included a rear gate with a manual roll-up window. A conventional 4WD system was available with 6 cylinder or manual transmission models; full-time 4WD was available on models with a V8 or automatic transmission. Chevrolet trim levels were Custom and Cheyenne. GMC trim levels were Custom and Sierra. 250ci 6 cylinder was standard.

1974

Factory installed padded roll bar and swing-out spare tire carrier were standard. Steel belted radials were optional.

1975

Parklights received clear lenses. Sliding side windows were available on hardtop models. Custom deluxe trim was standard on Chevrolet, High Sierra package offered on GMC models. 400ci V8 engine was available.

1976

New steel half-cab roof design with integrated roll bar and full size doors. Soft-ride suspension was standard.

1977

Optional factory soft-top. Exterior decor package was offered. Inside hood latch release and intermittent wipers. 305ci V8 was available.

1978

New standard front bucket seats and removable folding rear seat. Floor was recessed behind front seat for more rear legroom. Seat belt design was improved. Power windows and locks were added.

1979

Integral headlight/parklight. Concealed fuel filler door. Greater use of corrosion resistant steel. Last year for 400ci engine.

1980

Silverado package was available. Sierra Classic trim package replaced High Sierra. Full-time 4WD dropped. Radial tires were standard.

1981

Hood and front fenders were restyled for improved aerodynamics. Models lost up to 263 pounds through lighter glass, bumpers and body panels. Parklights moved to bumper. Tinted glass standard for all windows. On 4WD models, front quad shocks and automatic front locking hubs that worked at speeds up to 25 mph were available. Electronic Spark Control was introduced on the 305ci engine.

1982

Hardtop was only model available. 6.2L 379ci diesel available only on 4WD models. 700R4 4-speed automatic with overdrive introduced.

1983

Parklights moved from the front bumper to the grille. The horizontal center bar on the grille was painted body color on Chevrolet models. 2WD was no longer available. 305ci became standard engine.

1984

Anti-chip coating was added to lower fenders and body area. Parking brake system improved.

1985

Hardtop was available color matched to body color. Chevy grilles received wider horizontal center bar. Windshield wiper system was revised. Clutch operation changed to hydraulic.

1986

New front bucket seats with reclining seatbacks were standard. Serpentine belt system added to gas engines.

1987

Gas engines were available with throttle body electronic fuel injection, allowing better fuel economy, reduced emissions and more power.

1988

350ci standard; only other engine available was 6.2L Diesel. New fixed antenna and trip odometer were added. Pulse wiper control was improved.

1989

Scottsdale trim replaced Custom Deluxe. SLX and SLE replaced Sierra and Sierra Classic. Combination lap/shoulder belts added.

1990

Rear wheel anti-lock brakes standard.

1991

350ci received fuel injection and reliability improvements.