What is a Chevy CK pickup?
The Chevy CK pickup is the Chevrolet C/K full-size pickup family produced by General Motors from the 1960s through the late 1990s. In everyday use, “C” denotes two-wheel drive, “K” denotes four-wheel drive, and together they form the C/K lineage that preceded the Silverado. This article explains what CK means, how the lineup evolved across generations, and what came after.
In practice, enthusiasts and sellers often refer to the entire 2WD and 4x4 C/K family as “CK” or “C/K.” The name is not a single model but a shorthand for a broad generation of GM trucks, spanning multiple body styles and payload ratings before GM moved to the Silverado/Sierra naming in the late 1990s.
Origins of the C/K line
The C/K designation was introduced by General Motors to distinguish two-wheel drive (C) from four-wheel drive (K) versions within the same full-size pickup family. Beginning in 1960, Chevrolet (C) and GMC (K) shared this platform, with the same basic trucks offered in light- and heavy-duty configurations. Over time, the C/K nomenclature became the shorthand used by fans and collectors to describe Chevrolet’s and GMC’s classic full-size pickups before the brand transitioned to the Silverado/Sierra names in the late 1990s.
Generations and evolution
The CK lineage spans several major redesigns, each bringing a new look, layout, and set of mechanical options. The following overview highlights the defining periods of the C/K family:
- Generation 1 (roughly 1960–1966): The launch of the C/K family with initial body styles that would form the basis for decades of pickups.
- Generation 2 (roughly 1967–1972): A refreshed design with updated styling and chassis tweaks to improve ride and durability.
- Generation 3 (roughly 1973–1987): A longer, more substantial body and payload range, with continued emphasis on versatility for work and daily use.
- Generation 4 (roughly 1988–1998/1999): A modern-era redesign that adopted a squared-off, aerodynamic look and the GMT400 platform, culminating in the transition to the Silverado/Sierra naming.
These generations defined the backbone of American full-size pickups for decades, influencing later GM trucks and setting standards for capability, comfort, and durability.
Model codes and naming conventions
GM used a two-letter system (C for 2WD, K for 4x4) paired with a number that indicated payload capacity or tonnage. In later years, the company also used 1500/2500/3500 suffixes to reflect payload classes, especially as the industry moved away from the older C/K numbering.
Representative model codes and how they mapped to capability include the following:
- C10 / K10 — 1/2-ton range (2WD / 4x4)
- C20 / K20 — 3/4-ton range
- C30 / K30 — 1-ton range
- Late-1980s onward: 1500 / 2500 / 3500 naming aligned with payload classes, gradually replacing the older C/K codes on many trims
These codes helped buyers identify a pickup’s drive layout and payload capacity, and they reflect how GM adapted its naming as truck designs evolved toward more standardized modern nomenclature.
From CK to Silverado: the end of the CK era
In the late 1990s, GM began phasing out the C/K nomenclature in favor of the Chevrolet Silverado (and GMC Sierra) brand names. The Silverado, introduced for the 1999 model year for light-duty pickups, marked the formal transition from the C/K family to a new generation of GM trucks built on updated platforms and design philosophies. The CK line’s legacy persists in the enduring influence of its design language, build quality, and role in shaping modern full-size pickups.
How to identify a CK pickup
Look for tailgate badges that reference C/K, or specific model codes like C10/K10, C20/K20, or C30/K30, depending on the payload class. The presence of 2WD or 4x4 badges indicates the drive layout, while bed length and axle configurations can help distinguish between half-ton, 3/4-ton, and 1-ton models. In later years, you may also see 1500/2500/3500 suffixes used on the badge or VIN.
Collectibility and value today
CK pickups, especially those from the 1960s–1970s, remain popular with collectors and hobbyists. Condition, originality, matching numbers (engine/transmission), and documentation significantly influence value. Rust on frames, rust repair quality, and the availability of original parts can impact desirability and price. Well-preserved examples with documented history typically command stronger interest in classic-truck markets.
Summary
The Chevy CK pickup refers to Chevrolet’s C/K full-size pickup family, spanning multiple generations from the 1960s through the 1990s. The letters C and K denote 2WD and 4x4 configurations, respectively, with enthusiasts sometimes using CK to refer to the entire lineup. The CK era gave way to the Silverado/Sierra branding in the late 1990s, but its influence remains evident in the lineage and design language of today’s GM pickups.
