What is a CK truck?

A CK truck refers to General Motors' Chevrolet and GMC full-size pickups built on the C/K platform, produced from 1960 through the late 1990s, with C for two-wheel drive and K for four-wheel drive. In everyday usage, CK is shorthand for the Chevrolet C/K family and its GMC siblings sharing the same chassis.

Origins of the C/K designation

The C/K lineage traces the GM approach to a unified, configurable full-size pickup lineup. The letters denote drivetrain configuration—C for two-wheel drive and K for four-wheel drive—and cover a range of cab and bed options across light-, medium-, and heavy-duty variants. The line evolved through multiple generations before GM shifted to the Silverado/Sierra branding at the turn of the millennium.

Key timeline and generations

• First generation (1960–1966): The C/K family debuts as GM’s modern full-size pickups, offering both C (2WD) and K (4WD) variants and a new design language compared with the earlier Task Force era.


• Second generation (1967–1972): Styling and mechanical updates keep the C/K lineup relevant, maintaining a broad range of cab/bed configurations.


• Third generation (1973–1987): The popular square-body era arrives, with heavier-duty options, longer wheelbases, and widespread use in fleets and homes alike.


• Fourth generation (1988–1998): The GMT400 platform brings updated electronics, safety features, and a more modern package, culminating in GM’s transition to Silverado/Sierra branding in 1999.

Concluding the list: The CK family represents GM’s long-running, modular approach to a full-size pickup platform that served work and family needs for decades, before transitioning to newer branding in the late 1990s.

What made CK trucks distinctive

CK trucks are known for their rugged practicality, boxy styling during the square-body era, and a vast aftermarket and parts ecosystem that has kept them on the road for generations. They were designed to tow and haul, with a wide range of engines and configurations to suit fleets and households alike.

Notable attributes include:

• Two- and four-wheel-drive configurations across multiple payload capabilities


• A variety of cab configurations, bed lengths, and trim levels


• Extensive aftermarket support and a robust used-pickup market

Concluding paragraph for list: The CK line’s enduring appeal lies in its straightforward mechanical design, ease of maintenance, and the nostalgia it carries for GM’s classic full-size pickups.

CK trucks in today’s market

Today, CK trucks attract collectors and practical buyers alike who value affordability, classic styling, and a strong parts network. Enthusiasts frequently restore CKs or repurpose them for work, daily driving, or light off-road use, leveraging decades of proven GM engineering and a wealth of documentation.

Summary

In short, a CK truck refers to GM’s Chevrolet C/K and GMC C/K full-size pickups produced from 1960 through the late 1990s. The designation reflects drivetrain layout (C = 2WD, K = 4WD) and spans four generations, from the original launch through the iconic square-body era to the GMT400 redesign, before GM phased the line out in favor of Silverado/Sierra branding. Today, these trucks remain a staple for collectors and dedicated enthusiasts seeking a blend of practicality and nostalgia.

What's the difference between a Chevy Silverado and a Chevy Cheyenne?

The main difference is that the Cheyenne is sold exclusively in Mexico, while the Silverado is sold in the United States. Both are almost identical trucks built on the same platform, but in Mexico, the "Cheyenne" nameplate is used for the premium, top-tier trims, whereas the "Silverado" name is used for the entry-level and mid-range models. Historically, both "Cheyenne" and "Silverado" were trim levels for the Chevy C/K truck line in the US before Silverado became the standalone model name. 
Modern models (Mexico)

• Cheyenne: The name is reserved for the higher-end trims of the Chevrolet pickup truck in Mexico, such as the RST, Trail Boss, ZR2, and High Country. 
• Silverado: The name is used for the entry-level and mid-range models in Mexico, equivalent to the Work Truck (WT) trim in the US. 

Historical models (USA)

• Cheyenne: Was originally one of the trim levels for the Chevy C/K pickup trucks, sitting at a mid-to-high level. 
• Silverado: Was introduced as the top-of-the-line trim level for the C/K trucks, replacing the "Cheyenne Super". 
• What happened: When the C/K series was replaced, Silverado became the primary name for the truck in the US. The Cheyenne name was discontinued as a trim level in the US but continued in Mexico. 

Key takeaway
For modern trucks, the difference is geographical and based on trim level branding. If you see a "Cheyenne" pickup today, it is a premium model sold in Mexico, while a "Silverado" in the US can be any trim from entry-level to high-end.

What does CK truck mean?

Used for both the model branding and the internal model code, "C" denoted two-wheel drive, while "K" denoted four-wheel drive. Four generations of the C/K series were produced, including the GM monikered second-generation "Action Line" and third-generation "Rounded Line" vehicles (colloquially aka Square-Body trucks).

What are the three types of trucks?

The three main classifications of trucks are light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty, categorized by their weight, power, payload, and towing capacity. This classification system is based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and helps determine a truck's intended use and regulatory requirements.
 

• Light-Duty Trucks: These are the smallest trucks, ideal for everyday use and small business needs. Examples include half-ton pickup trucks like the Ford F-150, which are great for light towing and hauling. 
• Medium-Duty Trucks: These trucks fall between light and heavy-duty and are used for urban and regional transport. They have more power and capacity than light-duty trucks and are often used for commercial purposes like delivery vans or smaller box trucks. 
• Heavy-Duty Trucks: This is the largest category, used for serious commercial hauling and construction. Heavy-duty trucks have high towing and hauling capacities, which can include a wide range of vehicles, from large dump trucks to massive semi-trucks used for long-haul transportation. 

What does CK stand for in trucks?

This coincided with the introduction of a completely redesigned truck platform for 1960. GM prefixed a “C” or “K” to model names to note the drive configuration: C for rear-wheel drive and K for four-wheel drive.