A Look Back at the 1970s Chevrolet C/K Truck

The 1973 Chevrolet C/K was part of the third generation C/K trucks and was part of the third generation of C/K trucks produced by General Motors from 1973 to 1991. The C/K series was Chevrolet and GMC’s full-size pickup truck line from 1960 until 2002. The third generation was officially designated the “Rounded Line” generation by General Motors. It was during this particular generation that the four-door crew cab was introduced as well as a dual-rear-wheel which later was known as the “Big Dooley. One of the best facts is that the 1973 Chevrolet C/K was the first ever American truck to be fitted with and sold with a diesel engine. The 1973 Chevrolet C/K was straight-lined when compared to its predecessor and its body was much boxier. This saw it dubbed the “squared-body”. With this particular truck, GM chose a different touch to the build, it was designed using computer systems, and it was tested in wind tunnels as well. 

Engine and Performance of the 1973 C/K

1973 Chevy C/K Truck, engine and exterior.

The 1973 Chevrolet C/K was powered by a 5.7-liter naturally-aspirated V8 engine. The engine was mated with either a three-speed manual transmission or a four-speed manual transmission. Chevy offered the three-speed Turbo Hydra-Matic as a third transmission option as well for the 1973 Chevrolet C/K engine. The highest output rating for the 1973 Chevrolet C/K was 160 hp. Other engine options that were accessible for the 1973 Chevrolet C/K included a 7.4-liter 454 V8 that delivers 240 hp and pushed 355 lb-ft of torque and also two six-cylinder engines and a 5.0L V8 engine.

1973 Chevrolet C/K’s wheelbase

1973 Chevrolet C/K Truck, wheelbase and exterior.

The 1973 Chevrolet C/K was indeed bulkier compared to its predecessors. The square body design that the Chevrolet C/K possessed was a drastic change and went on for time immemorial before Chevy decided to change things up. The rounded line theme was transferred to the exterior, which saw the square wheel wells have rounded corners. Eventually, Chevy opted for the whole wheel well to be round. The 1973 Chevrolet C/K door frames and windshield were cast to match the rounded theme consequently creating a balance. To add to it, curved side glass was added to boost visibility and reduce further blind spots. Other key features that were added to the 1973 Chevrolet C/K consisted of front stabilizers, and the wheelbase was increased. As a result of the increased wheelbase, the short wheelbase measured 117.5 inches while the longer wheelbase measured 131.5 inches. Chevy also reduced the front spring gate and staggered the rear shock absorbers to reduce excess wheel hop, which unwittingly eliminated wheel hop.

Chevy C/K’s Interior and design

1973 Chevrolet C/K Truck, interior and exterior.

The cabin of the 1973 Chevrolet C/K was equipped with bench seats that were meant to increase comfort. Chevy also increased the flow-through ventilation. These particular changes made to the appearance and build of the 1973 Chevrolet C/K were felt across other generations of Chevy trucks. Cheyenne Super was a popular body color option for the 1973 Chevrolet C/K. Another great fact is that the 1973 Chevrolet C/K was the first Chevrolet truck to be built in-house by Chevy. Unlike the predecessors of the C/K, this vehicle was built from scratch by the brand. This gave the company complete control over how the car turned out in terms of its driving.