General Motors Full-Size Trucks, 1988-98, Repair Manual (Chilton Automotive Books)

I have previously been very disappointed with many repair manuals (other than Chilton) that have for instance:- very vague instructions like "year model 1973 shown, others may vary" when the model I'm working on is like from another planet rendering the instructions completely useless- blurry black and white photos where you cannot tell if they shot a picture of a steam engine or a car part leave alone make any use of the photo- manuals that outright do NOT cover certain engine/transmission/equipment or their combinations. For instance for a -96 320iA BMW with the single VANOS M50B20 engine I was supposed to purchase two books: one of the newer e39 BMW body type for the engine and another for the rest of the e36 model car. Needless to say I did not.Because of that my hopes were not high as I purchased the Chilton manual, especially since my truck is one of the last ones to use the old 5.7 smallblock engine, using DI instead of HEI ignition and equipped with the less common heavy duty 4L80-E transmission. I was sure that Chilton would not cover my truck at all and would just say "1994-95 models differ, consult the owner's manual" or something as idiotic.Well, what do you know? The Chilton manual actually acknowledges that these trucks have indeed had a lot of different engines (V6,V8 smallblock,V8 bigblock, several different Vortex engines and two diesels) and they have had different variations such as the HEI/DI ignition mentioned above, and the Chilton manual actually DOES COVER each and every different variation and how they differ from each other, with very clearly drawn pics and diagrams instead of blurry photos. No more guessing involved!Each section is clearly labeled so that you will know exactly what you are supposed to be doing with your particular year model and engine type and repairing and servicing the truck is therefore very easy. Even the fault codes are listed for all years and combinations and explained with unprecedented detail.As you can guess, I'm not just positively surprised by the Chilton manual but utterly and completely pleased. This is how a repair manual is supposed to be done.If I would absolutely _have_ to find something negative to say about the manual then the only fault I've found is that the ignition timing chart is blank and you're told to refer to the sticker in the air cleaner. In many cases those stickers can be worn off or the air cleaner unit changed by a previous owner so you would have nothing but Google and truck forums to refer to. Luckily this was not the case in my truck but nevertheless that is clearly a minus, I believe this kind of vital information should be included. (BTW for the 5.7EFI the timing advance is set to zero with the electric advance wire unplugged if someone there is looking for that info)So yes, if you have a 1988-1998 GMT400 body full-size truck, this is certainly money well spent and you will earn your investment back tenfold with the very first faulty sensor that you replace yourself.

It is far better than competitors. More details and covers more repairs. I will always get Chilton manuals from now on.

It is what it is

Excellent book with very detailed coverage and keynotes for each year. I've always preffered this over Hanes manuals. The only downside to so much detail is that they kinda overcrowded some areas. For 95% of the book it's great, but the few diagram areas are pretty tiny and not for old eyes. Great otherwise. See example picture.

I am an average old, retired guy that like to keep his vehicles. My truck I have had for 28 years. Due to health, I had to let things go awhile. I can't really afford to send to machinic, at their prices. So, I use a Chilton book for information. I have used Chilton before, sell the car, book went with it. The book I got was used. Cover page was worn and had some dog ear pages, but print was readable. The price was a little high, but what isn't these days. Book was as stated.

Good Book very informative

When you buy an older vehicle, you should budget the purchase of a shop manual. The older Chiltons manuals are usually a good deal, though if you get in over your head it is easy enough to get the manual from the manufacturer.For most things this one has been adequate. It was of no help when replacing the heater blower motor (or anything else involving the dashboard, come to think of it), but for mechanical issues it has been spot-on.

Ok not very informative