What does C and K stand for Chevy?
The letters C and K denote drivetrain configuration in Chevrolet’s full-size pickups: C = two-wheel drive; K = four-wheel drive, used on model codes such as C10, C20, C30 and K10, K20, K30.
In this article, we explore what those initials mean, how they mapped to payload classes, and how the system evolved before GM shifted to newer branding. The C/K naming was a long-running convention for Chevrolet (and its GM counterpart, GMC) that helped buyers distinguish between 2WD and 4WD versions across a range of weight ratings.
What the letters mean
Below is a simple guide to how GM used C and K to differentiate Chevrolet’s full-size pickups. The following list clarifies how the codes were applied across years and configurations.
- C-series — light- to medium-duty pickups with two-wheel drive. Common codes include C10 (½-ton), C20 (¾-ton), and C30 (1-ton).
- K-series — four-wheel-drive variants that correspond to the same payload classes as the C-series. Common codes include K10 (½-ton 4x4), K20 (¾-ton 4x4), and K30 (1-ton 4x4).
In short, the letters indicate drivetrain configuration (C for 2WD, K for 4WD) while the numbers reference the approximate payload capacity within each family.
Historical context and evolution
The C/K designation era spanned several decades, beginning in the 1960s and continuing through the late 1990s. It covered Chevrolet pickups built on a shared GM platform, with GMC offering parallel versions under different badges. In the late 1990s, GM transitioned to more modern naming conventions, eventually moving toward the Silverado/Sierra branding that predominates today, while the legacy C/K family remains a touchstone for collectors and enthusiasts.
How to identify a C vs K on the badge
Look for the model code on the doors or fenders: a C prefix indicates 2WD, while a K prefix indicates 4WD. The badge style and accompanying badges (such as 4x4) can also help confirm the drivetrain configuration and the approximate weight class.
Summary
Chevrolet’s C and K designations were a concise way to distinguish two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive full-size pickups across different payload capacities (10, 20, 30). The system served GM’s trucks for decades and remains a key reference for vintage Chevy pickups and their buyers, even as newer naming conventions have taken precedence.
