Several technical innovations also elevated the 400s above the old-school bucket of bolts from earlier trucks. These OBS trucks were assembled via the latest computer-aided design (CAD) programs, used more galvanized steel, and had a fully welded frame.
A number of firsts appeared during this era of truck, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), an extended-cab, and in 1995 had a driver-side airbag (dual airbags came in 1998). It was also the first time General Motors (GM) used shift on the fly four-wheel drive (instead of locking hubs), and an independent torsion-bar and CV joint suspension on its K-series trucks. The standard engine was a 4.3-liter Vortec V6 with plenty of torque, and later, both 5.0-liter V8s and 8.1-liter engines became available.
That’s not to say they weren’t without issues. Motor Trend points out they tended to become heavily rusted, dashboards often cracked due to the cheap plastic used, the paint faded, the clear coat oxidized, and the brakes were too small. Despite their failings, these old-body-styled GMT400 trucks hold a unique place in the evolution of the pickup that has made them the perfect vehicle for enthusiasts to retrofit and customize — so much so that their value has taken off in recent years.
Hagerty states that Chevy GMT400s trucks have increased in value by 63% over the last three years, while GMC’s 400s are up 52%. An equally-telling statistic is that quotes for insurance on these trucks are up 58% and 53%, respectively.
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