PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
GMC's Sierra pickups are targeted at buyers who need large cargo and
hauling capability in a durable, rugged full-size pickup truck. Power,
reliability and load capacity are key elements for buyers in this segment.
NEW FOR 1996:
* New series of gasoline engines include the Vortec 4300, 5000, 5700 and
7400 SFI V8s (all have significantly increased horsepower and
torque
ratings over previous engines)
* Rear seat "Easy Access" system on SLE and SLT models, Extended Cab/Short
Box models (mid-year introduction) features a swing-out panel located
behind the passenger side door for convenient rear access for passengers
or cargo loading
* Stainless steel exhaust system for greater durability
* Electric shift transfer case available
* New bench seat armrest provides increased
storage (SLE/SLT models)
* Improved power port access with separate ashtray cover
* Illuminated entry for safety and convenience
* Cast lower control arm for greater durability (4x4 models)
* Electrochromatic rearview mirror with compass available on SLE/SLT
models
* Long-Life coolant (designed to extend service intervals up to 5 years or
160,000 km)
* Adjustable front seat shoulder belts for added comfort
* Three new exterior
colours; one new interior colour
* Leather seating available
* Underhood tool stowage compartment
MODELS: Sierra Regular Cab Sportside Short-Box
Sierra Regular Cab Wideside Short-Box
Sierra Regular Cab Wideside Long-Box
Sierra Extended Cab Sportside Short-Box
Sierra
Extended Cab Wideside Short-Box
Sierra Extended Cab Wideside Long-Box
Sierra Crew Cab Wideside Long-Box
MODEL DESIGNATIONS C = 2WD
K =
4x4
1500 Series = 1/2-ton
2500 Series = 3/4-ton
3500 Series = 1-ton
VEHICLE CLASS: Full-size Pickups
ASSEMBLY
LOCATIONS: Oshawa, Ontario;
Fort Wayne, Indiana;
Pontiac, Michigan;
Flint, Michigan
CUSTOMER PROFILE:
GMC's Sierra full-size pickups are designed to appeal to male buyers in
their 40s (married with children) who need a truck for their jobs or for
heavy work projects. Key purchase factors include payload, quality,
reliability, durability, power and fuel economy.
PRODUCT MILESTONES:
1936 GMC full-size pickup introduced
1937 Exterior redesign
1948 Exterior redesign
1955 Exterior redesign
1958 4-wheel
drive debuts on 1/2-, 3/4- and 1-ton pickups
1973 All-new trucks introduced; Crew-Cab and "Big Dooley" debut
1974 Full-time 4-wheel drive with V8 engine is released
1977 K30 1-ton introduced
1982 6.2-litre diesel engine released
1987 TBI fuel injection installed on V6 and V8 gasoline engines
1988 All-new interior and exterior design introduced; extended cab ("Club
Coupe") model debuts
1991
Heavy-duty electronic Hydra-Matic 4L80-E automatic transmission
introduced; Gen V 7.4-litre V8 replaces Mark IV engine
1992 Suburban, Jimmy and Crew Cab join C/K platform; 6.5-litre Turbo-
Diesel V8 introduced
1993 4L60-E electronic 4-speed automatic transmission introduced
1994 Two new 6.5-litre diesel engines introduced
1995 Redesigned instrument panel; standard driver-side
air bag introduced
on models under 8500 GVWR; standard 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS)
added; engine and transmission enhancements
1996 New series of gasoline engines include the Vortec 4300, 5000, 5700
and 7400 SFI V8s; rear seat "Easy Access" system on Extended Cab
models (mid-year introduction); electric shift transfer
case
available
EXTERIOR FEATURES SPECIAL SL SLE / SLT
1500
Air Dam Black (includes fog lamps on
2WD shortbox w/Sport Package) S O NA
Bedliner Pickup box (under rail design) O O
O
Bumpers Front, chrome, rear step, painted S S NA
Front & rear step (deluxe chrome
w/rub strip or colour-keyed w/
Sport Package) NA NA S
Front chrome, rear step w/rub
strip
NA O NA
Door Sill
Plates Dark gray S
S NA
Colour-keyed NA NA S
Glass Solar-Ray
tinted; all windows S S S
Deep-tinted on quarter and rear
windows; light-tinted on all
other
windows O O O
Grille Moulded plastic; painted argent,
integral GMC letters at the
centre
of grille S S NA
Moulded plastic, painted argent,
integral GMC letters at
centre
of grille, chrome trim
(except w/Sport Package) NA O S
Deluxe colour-keyed; integral
GMC
letters at centre of
grille (w/Sport Package) NA NA S
Headlamps Two rectangular halogen S S NA
Four, composite w/halogen bulbs NA NA S
Horn Single; electric low note S S NA
Dual,
electric high/ low note NA NA S
Insulators Cab-to-fender, hood NA NA S
Key Single 2-sided, doors & ignition S
S S
Lights Backup lamps, combination parking/
direction/hazard, combination tail/
stop/direction/hazard, headlamps,
license
plate lamp, side marker
lamps w/reflectors, cargo lamp S S S
Underhood lamp S
S
S
Underhood trouble lamp (cord is
on a reel) NA NA S
Roof marker O O O
Mirrors Black, below eye-line, fold-away S S NA
Black, electric remote control
(except w/Sport Package) NA NA S
Colour-keyed, fixed
w/adjustable
heads (w/Sport Package) NA NA S
LH and RH, camper-type; stainless
steel
mirror head NA O O
Mouldings Black hidden roof drip mouldings S S NA
Bright
body-side & wheel opening
mouldings (except w/Sport Package)NA NA S
Bright body side (includes
bright wheel opening mouldings)
NA O NA
Nameplates Series designation nameplate on
doors S S
S
"SLE/SLT" nameplate
on B pillar NA S S
"4x4" decals at rear of pickup
box side panels (all 4x4 except
w/Sport Package) S S
S
"Sierra" nameplate on lower left
of tailgate; GMC Truck nameplate
on lower right of tailgate S S
S
Paint Schemes Solid O O O
Conventional two-tone O
O O
Deluxe two-tone (includes stripe) NA NA O
Pickup Box All steel double sidewall and
tailgate
construction, painted
body colour (shortbox = 6.5 ft/
2.0 m; longbox = 8 ft/2.4 m) S S S
Skid Plates Off-road (includes metal shield
plates
for engine, front
differential and transfer case);
4x4 models only O O O
Snow Plow Prep
provisions (includes heavy-
duty front torsion bars, heavy-
duty power steering cooler, two
turn signal electric relays); on
4x4
models (reguar cab only) O O O
Spare Tire
Carrier Winch-type mounted under frame
at rear S
S S
Storage Box Underhood, w/lid S S S
Tow Hooks Two front mounted at the front
of
each frame side member
(4x4 models) S S S
Two front (2WD models) O
O O
Wheel Trim Rally trim rings w/bright
hub caps NA O S
Four silver covers w/black plastic
hub caps O S NA
Window
Swing-out rear quarter vent
(Extended-Cabs only) NA S S
Sliding rear (not available w/
electric rear window defogger) O O O
Wipers Intermittent wiper system; demand
-type washer system S
S S
Wiring Harness 7-wires, heavy duty S S S
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. NA - Not available.
INTERIOR FEATURES SPECIAL SL SLE / SLT
Air Conditioning O O S
All-weather
(includes
increased capacity cooling) NA NA O
Armrests Left hand and right hand
padded, integral w/door
trim
panels S S S
Assist Handles Front passenger side, mounted
on
pillar, colour-keyed S S S
Coat Hooks Right hand S NA NA
Left
hand and right hand NA NA S
Right hand (plus left hand on
extended cab models only) NA S
NA
Convenience Groups Power door locks and windows
w/ express down on driver's
window, tilt-wheel and speed
control
NA NA S
Power door locks NA O NA
Tilt Wheel (TM) and speed
control NA O NA
Cupholder Dual, in instrument panel S S S
Defogger Windshield and side window S S S
Rear
window, electric NA NA O
Door Trim Panels Colour-keyed grained moulded
plastic S S
NA
Soft vinyl with carpet covered
map pocket and cloth insert NA NA S
Floor Covering Colour-keyed
vinyl S S NA
Colour-keyed carpeting w/
Scotchgard(TM) Fabric
Protector
and removable front
mats NA NA S
Rear
mats (in Extended-Cabs) NA NA S
Carpet (includes front floor
and rear mats NA
NA O
Gauges Analogue needle design;
speedometer, odometer, fuel
level, voltmeter, temperature,
oil pressure & tachometer S S S
Warning Buzzers Headlamp-on and key-in-
ignition warning buzzers S
S S
Headliner Full-length colour-keyed cloth
(mystic vinyl on W/T 1500) w/
matching retainer mouldings
S
S S
Instrument Panel Colour-keyed, energy absorbing
foam type w/ grained vinyl
skin, storage tray on passenger
side,
two auxiliary power
outlets (located beside ashtray)
w/spring loaded doors,
cigarette lighter S
S S
Insulator Cab back panel NA S S
Keyless Entry Remote keyless entry NA
NA O
Lighting Dome w/map reading lights
incorporating A 20-second
delay-off feature, under-dash
courtesy,
ashtray & glove box,
instrument cluster, LH and RH
door jamb switches NA S S
Dome
w/map reading lights
incorporating A 20-second
delay-off feature, under-dash
courtesy, ashtray & glove box,
LH
and RH door jamb switches S NA NA
Mirror, Rearview 254mm (10") prismatic w/soft
vinyl rim S S
S
Electrochromatic w/8-point
compass NA NA
O
Radio AM/FM stereo w/seek/scan
and digital clock; fixed mast
antenna, four speakers (2 in
front,
2 on rear pillar) S S NA
AM/FM stereo, cassette
seek/scan, digital clock
(includes
4 speakers) NA O S
AM/FM stereo, cassette,
seek/scan, auto tone control,
clock
(includes 6 speakers) NA NA O
AM/FM stereo, CD player,
seek/scan, auto tone control,
clock
(includes 6 speakers) NA NA O
AM/Fm stereo CD and cassette,
seek/scan, auto tone control,
clock
(includes 6 speakers);
requires 4-speed automatic
transmission NA NA O
Seats Full-width front bench; full-
depth foam seat cushion w/
folding backrest (Regular Cab)S S S
Split front bench w/folding
backrests; LH and RH easy
entry; folding rear bench seat
(Extended
Cab) NA S S
Front bench w/leather or
uplevel cloth trim
(includes
driver and front
passenger power adjustable
lumbar, seat back storage
nets and fold-down centre
armrest
storage compartment
w/a coin holder, map net in
lid and writing board NA O O
Split
front bench w/leather
or uplevel cloth trim;
includes manual seat back
recliners, driver and front
passenger
power adjustable
lumbar, seat back storage
nets and fold-down centre
armrest storage compartment
w/a
coin holder, map net in
lid and writing board NA NA O
Front high back reclining
buckets
w/inboard armrests
and console that includes
rear seat cupholders;
includes driver and front
passenger
power adjustable
lumbar and seat back storage
nets NA NA O
Split front bench w/cloth
trim; includes manual seat
back recliners, Easy Entry
feature
on driver and front
passenger sides (extended cab
models only) NA NA O
Split front bench w/leather
or uplevel cloth trim;
includes manual seat
back
recliners, Easy Entry
feature on driver and front
passenger sides, driver and
front passenger power
adjustable
lumbar, seat back
storage nets and fold-down
centre armrest storage
compartment w/coin holder,
map
net in lid and writing
board (extended cab models
only) NA NA O
Front high back reclining
buckets w/leather or uplevel
cloth; includes rear seat
cupholders,
Easy Entry
feature on driver and front
passenger sides, rear folding
seat, driver and front
passenger
power adjustable
lumbar and seat back storage
nets (extended cab models) NA NA O
Head
restraints, adjustable;
on all outboard seats S S S
Seat Adjuster power, 6-way, driver's side NA NA O
Steering Wheel Black energy absorbing
steering column w/anti-theft
locking feature S S S
Simulated leather sport wheel
w/four spokes S S NA
Leather
wrapped sport wheel
w/four spokes NA NA S
Sunshades LH and RH padded; colour-
keyed
cloth, visor RH mirror S S NA
LH and RH padded; colour-keyed;
cloth LH with storage strap
RH
with visor mirror NA NA S
Tools Mechanical jack and wheel
wrench located in storage
compartment
behind the seat S S S
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. NA - Not available.
POWER TEAMS/CHASSIS/MECHANICAL SPECIAL SL SLE / SLT
Air Cleaner High-capacity O
O O
Alternator 100-amp Delcotron S S S
Battery 12-volt, neg. ground, Freedom
2
Plus type, 600 cold cranking
amps A-17.8C (0F) S S S
Heavy-duty auxiliary O
O O
Brakes Power, 4-wheel ABS S S S
Brake
transmission shift
interlock S S S
Front disc
and rear drum S S S
Camper Chassis Includes camper-type
stainless steel mirrors and
camper wiring harness,
heavy-
duty battery,; requires
extra-capacity cooling
system NA
O O
Clutch Hydraulic clutch control S S S
Cooling Extra-capacity (includes an
external
engine oil cooler O O O
Transmission (external air-
to-oil cooling system) O O
O
Engines (See Engine listings in
the "Technical Product
Information" section) - -
-
Exhaust Aluminized, stainless steel,
unitized muffler-tailpipe,
converter equipped, single
exhaust
S S S
Heater Engine block S S S
Steering Integral power S S S
Suspension Base axle: 3.08 ratio (on all
2WD except
extended cab short-
box); 3.42 ratio (on extended
cab 2WD shortbox & 4x4 longbox);
3.73 ratio (on all 4x4 except
extended
cab longbox) S S S
Front axle: independent (on
all 2WD); full-floating hypoid
(on
all 4x4) S S S
Rear axle: semi-floating
hypoid S
S S
Front coil springs (2WD only) S S S
Front torsion bar (4x4 only)
S S S
Rear two-stage multi-leaf
springs S
S S
Shock absorbers, front & rear S S S
Stabilizer bar, front, heavy
duty S S S
Tires Five P235/75R15 all season
(2WD only) S S S
Five P245/75R16 all terrain
(4x4
only) S S S
Torsion Bars Front, heavy-duty (4x4 only) O O O
Trailering Special equipment;
heavy-
duty (includes weight
distributing platform
trailer hitch) O
O O
Transfer Case Part-time, New Process 241,
floor mounted controls (4x4
only) S
S S
New Process 243, electronic
shift (includes 2H/4H/4L
shift
selections through a
4-wheel drive indicator
switch located on instrument
panel); requires automatic
transmission
O O O
Transmission 5-speed Getrag manual w/
overdrive 4.02 low, gear
shift
on floor (only w/5000
or 4300 V8 engines) S S S
5-speed New Venture Gear
manual
w/overdrive 3.49 low
(not available w/4300 or
5000 V8 nor 6.5L Turbo
Diesel engines) O
O O
4-speed automatic (4L60E)
w/overdrive (not available
w/6.5L
Turbo Diesel or
7400 V8) O O O
4-speed
automatic 4L80E)
w/overdrive (not available
w/4300, 5000 or 5700 V8s) O O O
Wheels Five
disc type S S S
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. NA - Not available.
SAFETY/SECURITY SPECIAL SL SLE / SLT
Air Bags Driver's side S S S
Keyless Entry Remote keyless entry NA NA
O
Lighting Daytime running lamps;
centre high mounted stop
lamp S
S S
Side Impact Side-guard door beams S S S
Roadside Service 24-hour Roadside Assistance S S S
S - Standard Equipment. O - Optional Equipment. NA - Not available.
TECHNICAL PRODUCT INFORMATION
FRAME Welded steel frame
BODY MATERIAL Two-sided galvanized steel all body panels (except roof)
SUSPENSION Front Independent,
(coil springs - 2WD; torsion bars - 4x4)
Rear Hypoid drive: two-stage multi-leaf springs
BRAKES Power-assisted front disc/rear drum; 4 wheel ABS
STEERING Power, variable ratio
TIRES 1500
2500
C-Series Reg. Cab P235/75R15 LT225/75R16D
K-Series Reg. Cab P245/75R16C LT225/75R16D
C-Series Ext. Cab P235/75R15 LT225/75R16D
K-Series Ext. Cab P245/75R16C LT245/75R16C
WHEELS 15" X 7.0"JJ/ 16" X 6.5"K
16" X 6.5"J
TIRES 2500
(Heavy Duty) 3500
C-Series Reg. Cab LT245/75R16E LT245/75R16E
K-Series Reg. Cab LT245/75R16E LT245/75R16E
C-Series Ext. Cab LT245/75R16E LT225/75R16D
K-Series Ext. Cab LT245/75R16E LT225/75R16D
WHEELS 16" x 6.5"K 16" x 6.5"K
LAYOUT Front engine / 2WD (rear) and 4x4
ENGINES
Vortec 4300 SFI V6 Vortec
5000 SFI V8
Type OHV OHV
Displacement 4.3L (262 cu.in.) 5.0L (305 cu.in.)
Bore x Stroke 101.6 x 88.4 mm 95.0 x 88.4
mm
(4.0 x 3.5") (3.7 x 3.5")
Compression Ratio 9.2:1 9.4:1
Fuel Regular
Regular
Unleaded Unleaded
Fuel Induction Sequential F.I. Sequential
F.I.
Horsepower 200 hp @ 220hp @
4400 rpm 4600 rpm
Torque
255 lb.-ft 285 lb.-ft.
@ 2800 rpm @ 2800 rpm
ENGINES UNDER
8600 GVWR OVER 8600 GVWR
Vortec 5700 SFI V8 Vortec 5700 SFI V8 (HD)
Type OHV OHV
Bore x Stroke 101.6 x 88.4 mm 101.6 x 88.4 mm
(4.0 x 3.5") (4.0 x 3.5")
Displacement 5.7L (350 cu.in.) 5.7L (350 cu.in.)
Compression Ratio
9.4:1 9.4:1
Fuel Regular Regular
Unleaded Unleaded
Fuel Induction Sequential F.I. Sequential F.I.
Horsepower 250 hp @ 245 hp @
4600 rpm 4600
rpm
Torque 335 lb.-ft 325 lb.-ft.
@ 2800 rpm @ 2800 rpm
ENGINES
Vortec
7400 SFI V8 6.5L Turbo Diesel V8
Type OHV OHV
Bore x Stroke 107.9 x 101.6 mm 103.0 x 97.0 mm
(4.3
x 4.0") (4.1 x 3.8")
Displacement 7.4L (454 cu.in.) 6.5L (395 cu.in.)
Compression Ratio 9.0:1 21.5:1
Fuel Regular Diesel
Unleaded
Fuel Induction Sequential Turbocharged;
Fuel
Injection Indirect
Fuel Injection
Horsepower 290 hp @ 190
hp @
4200 rpm 3400 rpm
Torque 410 lb.-ft 385 lb.-ft
@3200
rpm 1700 rpm
NOTE: Horsepower of 6.5L Turbo Diesel in pickup under 8600 GVWR is 180 hp @
3400 rpm;
torque is rated at 360 lb.-ft. @ 1700 rpm
TRANSMISSIONS 4-speed electronic 4-speed heavy-duty
automatic
w/overdrive electronic automatic w/
(under 8500 GVWR) overdrive (over 8500 GVWR)
Gear Ratios 1st 3.06 2.48
2nd
1.63 1.48
3rd 1.00 1.00
4th 0.70 0.75
Reverse 2.29 2.08
Final Drive Ratio 3.42 3.73
5-speed manual
5-speed manual
w/overdrive w/overdrive
(all 4.3L & 5.0L) (all 5.7L below 8500
GVWR)
Gear Ratios 1st 4.02 3.49
2nd 2.32 2.16
3rd
1.40
1.40
4th 1.00 1.00
5th 0.73 0.78
Reverse 3.55 3.55
Final Drive Ratio 3.42 3.42
3.73 3.73
5-speed manual
w/overdrive
(over 8500 GVWR)
Gear Ratios 1st 5.61
2nd
3.04
3rd 1.67
4th 1.00
5th 0.75
Reverse 5.61
Final Drive Ratio 3.73
4.10
- single/dual rear wheels
4.56 - dual rear wheels
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Regular Cab Extended Cab
Leg Room
front/rear 1059 mm (41.7") 1059/ 884
mm (41.7/34.8")
Head Room
front/rear 1013 mm (39.9") 1016/ 953 mm (40.0/37.5")
Shoulder Room
front/rear 1661 mm (65.4") 1661/1717 mm (65.4/67.6")
Hip Room
front/rear 1524 mm (60.0") 1524/1631 mm (60.0/64.2")
INTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Crew
Cab
Leg Room
front/rear 1059/ 963 mm (41.7/37.9")
Head Room
front/rear 1013/1036 mm (39.9/40.8")
Shoulder Room
front/rear 1661/1648 mm (65.4/64.9")
Hip Room
front/rear 1524/1506 mm (60.0/59.3")
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Regular
Cab Regular Cab Regular Cab Ext. Cab
Sportside Wideside Wideside Sportside
Short-Box Short-Box Long-Box
Short Box
Wheelbase 2985 mm 2985 mm 3340 mm 3594 mm
(117.5") (117.5") (131.5") (141.5")
Length 4938 mm 4938 mm 5413 mm 5547 mm
(194.4") (194.4") (213.1") (218.4")
Width 1958
mm 1951 mm 1951 mm 1951 mm
( 77.1") ( 76.8") ( 76.8") ( 77.1")
Height Varies by model and equipment from
1788 mm (70.4")
to 1925 mm (75.8")
EXTERIOR DIMENSIONS
Ext. Cab Ext. Cab Crew-Cab
Wideside
Wideside Wideside
Short-Box Long-Box Long-Box
Wheelbase 3594 mm 3950 mm 4280 mm
(141.5")
(155.5") (168.5")
Length 5537 mm 6022 mm 6353 mm
(218.4") (237.1") (250.1")
Width 1951
mm 1951 mm 1951 mm w/single rear wheels
( 76.8") ( 76.8") ( 76.8")
2395 mm w/dual rear wheels
( 94.3")
Height Varies by model and equipment from 1788 mm (70.4")
to
1925 mm (75.8")
CAPACITIES
Passenger Seating 3/2 (Regular Cab)
6/5/3 (Extended Cab)
6/5 (Crew Cab)
Fuel Capacity 95 L (20.8 gal.)- short-box models
129
L (28.3 gal.)- long-box models
GVWR C/K 1500 C/K 2500 C/K 3500
(min/max) 2540/2994 kg 3266/3901 kg 4082/4536 kg
(6100/6810
lbs.) (7200/8600 lbs.) (9000/10,000 lbs.)
Payload C/K 1500 C/K 2500 C/K 3500
(min/max) 767/1007 kg 1133/1822 kg 1638/2033 kg
(1692/2220
lbs.) (2498/4018 lbs.) (3614/4482 lbs.)