Service and repair manuals for 5 model years of the GMC R3500, 1987 to 1991. Each manual is matched to one exact year — the specifications and procedure sequences are the ones GMC published for that year's engine and trim, not values carried across the whole production run.
Engines across the range: 7.4L V8 — OHV · 6.2L V8 — OHV · 4.8L I6 — OHV · 5.7L V8 — OHV.
Federal safety record, all years: 6 recalls, 0 owner complaints and 0 technical service bulletins are logged for the R3500. Refreshed 2026-08-21.
01 / Model yearsChoose your R3500 year
| Year | Price | Recalls | Engines | Trims | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | $29.99 | — | 7.4L V8; 6.2L V8; 5.7L V8 | SLE Cab & Chassis 4-Door · SLE Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 4-Door | select |
| 1990 | $29.99 | — | 7.4L V8; 6.2L V8; 5.7L V8 | SLE Cab & Chassis 4-Door · SLE Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 4-Door | select |
| 1989 | $29.99 | 3 | 7.4L V8; 6.2L V8; 5.7L V8 | High Sierra Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sierra Classic Cab & Chassis 4-Door · High Sierra Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door +8 | details → |
| 1988 | $29.99 | 3 | 7.4L V8; 6.2L V8; 4.8L I6; 5.7L V8 | High Sierra Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sierra Classic Cab & Chassis 4-Door · High Sierra Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door +8 | details → |
| 1987 | $29.99 | — | 7.4L V8; 6.2L V8; 4.8L I6; 5.7L V8 | High Sierra Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sierra Classic Cab & Chassis 4-Door · High Sierra Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door +8 | select |
02 / InsideSample pages
From the 1991 R3500 manual.
03 / ContentsWhat the manual covers
- Quick Lookups 67
- Engine Performance 1,057
- Accessories & Equipment 184
- General Information 1,523
- Body & Frame 93
- Heating, Ventilation & A/C (HVAC) 200
- Brakes 243
- Maintenance 51
- Drivelines & Axles 101
- Steering 125
- Electrical 155
- Suspension 70
- Engine Mechanical 262
- Transmission 788
- Steering Column Support Bracket 22
- Steering Wheel Retaining Nut 30
- Ignition Switch-To-Column Screws 35
- Lock Cylinder Retaining Screw 22
04 / Other yearsOther R3500 years
1991 GMC R3500 · $29.99 select →
Engines: 7.4L V8 — OHV; 6.2L V8 — OHV; 5.7L V8 — OHV. Trims: SLE Cab & Chassis 4-Door · SLE Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 4-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1991 R3500.
1990 GMC R3500 · $29.99 select →
Engines: 7.4L V8 — OHV; 6.2L V8 — OHV; 5.7L V8 — OHV. Trims: SLE Cab & Chassis 4-Door · SLE Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 4-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1990 R3500.
1987 GMC R3500 · $29.99 select →
Engines: 7.4L V8 — OHV; 6.2L V8 — OHV; 4.8L I6 — OHV; 5.7L V8 — OHV. Trims: High Sierra Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · Sierra Classic Cab & Chassis 4-Door · High Sierra Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door · High Sierra Cab & Chassis 4-Door · Sierra Classic Cab & Chassis 2-Door · Base Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Sierra Classic Crew Cab Pickup 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 4-Door · Base Cab & Chassis 2-Door · High Sierra Cab & Chassis 2-Door · Sierra Classic Standard Cab Pickup 2-Door.
No recalls on federal record for the 1987 R3500.
05 / OwnershipOwn it — don't rent it
| Option | What you pay | After a year |
|---|---|---|
| eManualStore R3500 manual | $29.99 once | Still yours |
| Per-vehicle online subscription | from $29 / year, renewing | Pay again or lose access |
| Library membership services | $33 / month, capped | $396 spent, nothing kept |
| Professional shop databases | $499–$2,388 / year | Renew or lose access |
Competitor figures as published on their sites, August 2026.
FAQQuestions about the R3500 manual
Which R3500 years does this manual cover?
Every year from 1987 to 1991 — 5 separate manuals, one per model year. Pick your year in the selector; the manual you receive is matched to that exact year, engine and trim.
Is this the OEM GMC R3500 manual or an aftermarket guide?
The OEM version. It carries the procedures, specifications, torque values and wiring diagrams GMC published for the R3500, organized by system — not a condensed aftermarket summary.
Does it include R3500 wiring diagrams?
Yes. Full wiring diagrams are part of every R3500 manual, alongside repair procedures, specifications and diagnostic information.
Does the manual cover R3500 recalls?
6 recalls are on federal record across the 1987–1991 R3500, listed by year below. The manual carries the manufacturer's diagnostic and repair procedures behind the systems involved; the recall repairs themselves are performed free by GMC dealers.
Why do some R3500 years cost more?
Every R3500 year is $29.99.
Is this a subscription?
No. One payment, and the manual is yours to keep — unlike per-vehicle subscriptions that renew every year.
How do I get the manual after purchase?
It is a digital manual — nothing ships. Access details arrive by email right after checkout, and you can use it on any device.
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