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OBS Chevy Trucks 1988-1998: How to Build & Modify
The OBS trucks are attractive, well-rounded trucks with many creature comforts that were absent from previous generations. They are fairly affordable and plentiful, and they are new enough that well-preserved examples are attainable. In addition, they respond well to modifications. The later OBS models had LS engines in them, so swaps across the entire year span are easier.
In OBS Chevy Trucks 1988–1998: How to Build & Modify, veteran Chevy truck author Kevin Whipps covers all of the modifications that you can do to improve the performance, handling, and economy of these trucks. He covers OBS history, how to find the right truck for your goals, and modifications to the various systems in the truck. Subjects that are covered include suspension, brakes, air-ride systems, engine upgrades and swaps, body and paint, interior, wheels and tires, and, finally, body drop.
Whether you are planning to do the modifications yourself or you want to learn about the project before hiring a professional, this book is an essential tool for your toolbox.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Chapter 1: The History of 1988–1998 Chevy Trucks
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Differences: 1988–1994 versus 1995–1998
Options
Models
Interior Options
Truck Design
The Sport Truck Era
Chapter 2: Finding the Right Truck
Bolt-On Custom
Mild Custom
Full Custom
Show Truck
Planning
Silverado versus Cheyenne or W/T
Body and Drivetrain
Fleetside versus Sportside
Extra Cab, Standard Cab, or Crew Cab
Long-Bed versus Short-Bed
2WD versus 4WD
Renderings
SUVs
Duallies
Rust
Bargains and Parts Trucks
What You Know and What You Don’t
Chapter 3: Teardown and Organization
Teardown
Organization
Basic Tools
Safety Equipment
Electric Tools
Pneumatic Tools
Lifts and Jacks
Specialty Tools
Chapter 4: Building the Suspension
Steering Upgrades
Sway Bar Upgrades
Lowering Kits
StreetGrip Install
Coilovers
C-Notches and Bridge Notches
Chassis Swap Options
Chapter 5: Brakes
Front Disc Brake Upgrades
Big Brake Kit Installation
Rear Disc Brake Conversion
The ABS Problem
Bleeding ABS Brake Systems
Chapter 6: Air Ride Suspension
Basics
Airbags
Compressors
Pressure Switches
Valves, Fittings, Lines, and Tanks
Digital Air Management Systems
Airbag Installation
Chapter 7: Engines and Transmissions
Stock Engine Options
Period-Correct Swaps
LS and LT Swaps
Fuel Delivery
Electric Fans
Accelerator Pedal
Engine Upgrades
Transmission Options
Chapter 8: Body and Paint
Custom Modifications
Mirrors
Front-End Conversions
Converting a Chevrolet Front End to a GMC
Removing Moldings
Graphics
Wraps
Pinstriping
Basic Bodywork
Paint Job Walkthrough
Chapter 9: Interior
Disassembly
Wrapping Panels
Bucket Seat Swaps
Reupholstering Seats
Steering Wheels
Billet Accessories
Chapter 10: Wheels and Tires
Wheel and Tire Basics
Finishes
Billet Wheels
Cast Wheels
How to Calculate Wheel and Tire Sizes
What About the Speedometer?
Big Wheels and Body Drops
Chapter 11: Body Drops
What Is a Body Drop?
Traditional Body Drops
Channeling
Stock-Floor Body Drops
Performing a Stock-Floor Body Drop
Source Guide
The OBS trucks are attractive, well-rounded trucks with many creature comforts that were absent from previous generations. They are fairly affordable and plentiful, and they are new enough that well-preserved examples are attainable. In addition, they respond well to modifications. The later OBS models had LS engines in them, so swaps across the entire year span are easier.
In OBS Chevy Trucks 1988–1998: How to Build & Modify, veteran Chevy truck author Kevin Whipps covers all of the modifications that you can do to improve the performance, handling, and economy of these trucks. He covers OBS history, how to find the right truck for your goals, and modifications to the various systems in the truck. Subjects that are covered include suspension, brakes, air-ride systems, engine upgrades and swaps, body and paint, interior, wheels and tires, and, finally, body drop.
Whether you are planning to do the modifications yourself or you want to learn about the project before hiring a professional, this book is an essential tool for your toolbox.
Dedication
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Introduction
Chapter 1: The History of 1988–1998 Chevy Trucks
1988
1989
1990
1991
1992
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
Differences: 1988–1994 versus 1995–1998
Options
Models
Interior Options
Truck Design
The Sport Truck Era
Chapter 2: Finding the Right Truck
Bolt-On Custom
Mild Custom
Full Custom
Show Truck
Planning
Silverado versus Cheyenne or W/T
Body and Drivetrain
Fleetside versus Sportside
Extra Cab, Standard Cab, or Crew Cab
Long-Bed versus Short-Bed
2WD versus 4WD
Renderings
SUVs
Duallies
Rust
Bargains and Parts Trucks
What You Know and What You Don’t
Chapter 3: Teardown and Organization
Teardown
Organization
Basic Tools
Safety Equipment
Electric Tools
Pneumatic Tools
Lifts and Jacks
Specialty Tools
Chapter 4: Building the Suspension
Steering Upgrades
Sway Bar Upgrades
Lowering Kits
StreetGrip Install
Coilovers
C-Notches and Bridge Notches
Chassis Swap Options
Chapter 5: Brakes
Front Disc Brake Upgrades
Big Brake Kit Installation
Rear Disc Brake Conversion
The ABS Problem
Bleeding ABS Brake Systems
Chapter 6: Air Ride Suspension
Basics
Airbags
Compressors
Pressure Switches
Valves, Fittings, Lines, and Tanks
Digital Air Management Systems
Airbag Installation
Chapter 7: Engines and Transmissions
Stock Engine Options
Period-Correct Swaps
LS and LT Swaps
Fuel Delivery
Electric Fans
Accelerator Pedal
Engine Upgrades
Transmission Options
Chapter 8: Body and Paint
Custom Modifications
Mirrors
Front-End Conversions
Converting a Chevrolet Front End to a GMC
Removing Moldings
Graphics
Wraps
Pinstriping
Basic Bodywork
Paint Job Walkthrough
Chapter 9: Interior
Disassembly
Wrapping Panels
Bucket Seat Swaps
Reupholstering Seats
Steering Wheels
Billet Accessories
Chapter 10: Wheels and Tires
Wheel and Tire Basics
Finishes
Billet Wheels
Cast Wheels
How to Calculate Wheel and Tire Sizes
What About the Speedometer?
Big Wheels and Body Drops
Chapter 11: Body Drops
What Is a Body Drop?
Traditional Body Drops
Channeling
Stock-Floor Body Drops
Performing a Stock-Floor Body Drop
Source Guide
