The Difference Between the Chevy K5 & K10

by Jade Blue
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antique car wheel image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com

The "C/K" classification was used by General Motors Corp. and Chevrolet to designate their line of full-size pickup trucks. K5 and K10 were two of the models produced. The differences between the vehicles are significant. The "K" designation is no longer used and each model has been replaced with an updated version.

Body Style

Chevrolet and GMC introduced the quarter-ton K5 in 1969. In 1983 the K5 featured parking lights on the grille and a removable steel half-cab with a roll bar. The K10 was a half-ton, short-bed truck also produced by Chevy and GMC during the 1960s. The K5 had an overall length of 184 inches with a 106 inch wheel base. The K10 measured 191 inches with a wheel base of 117 inches.

Driving Features

When Chevy and GMC first manufactured the K5, the vehicle was available in two-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive was not available to K5 consumers until the late '60s. Four-wheel drive came standard with the K10 truck. Specifications for the 1983 K5 state gas mileage is 24 miles per gallon in the city and 31 MPG on the highway. The 1986 K10 averaged 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway.

Current Status

The K5 was redesigned numerous times, taking away features like the removable top. In 1995, Chevrolet replaced the full-sized Blazer with the Chevy Tahoe. In 1970, GMC made its version of the K5, the Jimmy. In 1999, Chevrolet replaced the K10 truck with the Chevy Silverado, and the same year GMC debuted the Sierra.

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