The Advance Design series was first made available on June 28, 1947, and were sold with minor changes over the years until March 25, 1955, and called 3100 (1/2-ton), 3600 (3/4-ton), 3800 (1-ton), Thriftmaster, and Loadmaster.

The Task Force series was available from late 1955 (second series) to 1959, and offered options such as 12-volt electrical systems, the first V8 (265 cubic inch), and fleet-side 6-foot, 7-foot, and 8-foot length beds. Called 3100, 3200, 3600, 31, 50, 100, Apache, Cameo, Viking and Spartan.

The First Generation C/K series introduced a new body style and many first time features. Most important of these were a drop-center ladder frame, allowing the cab to sit lower, and independent front suspension, giving it an almost car-like ride. The C/K trucks were available in “Fleetside” (smooth) or “Stepside” (fendered) versions, which GMC called “Wideside” and “Fenderside”. A new designation system would assign a 10, 20, or 30 for 1/2, 3/4 and 1-ton models. The 10, 20, and 30 series (C or K) were badged as “Apache 10”, etc. The C10 and K10 models were 1/2-ton short-bed trucks, the C15 and K15 models were 1/2-ton long-bed trucks, the C20 and K20 models were 3/4-ton trucks, and the C30 were 1-ton trucks. GMC did not use the “C” nomenclature, though their 4×4 versions had the “K” designation. Also known as GMC C/K and GMC Sierra.

The Second Generation C/K series introduced a new, more modern look, and were nicknamed “Action Line”. The majority of the 10 and 20 series Chevrolet trucks featured coil spring trailing arm rear suspension, greatly improving ride. Leaf spring rear suspension was still available on those trucks, and standard on 30 series trucks. GMC models come standard with leaf springs and optional coil springs. All four-wheel drive models (Chevrolet and GMC) had leaf springs on both axles.

The Third Generation C/K series had an all-new redesign and were first available in 1972 for the 1973 model year. Also called the Chevrolet Scottsdale and Chevrolet Custom Deluxe. In 1981, they underwent a mid-life facelift in response to the recent 1979 energy crisis, with fuel saving techniques, resculpting the front end with a sleeker front bow-like look. The Third Generation C/K series trucks were officially known as the “Rounded-Line” generation, although some people referred to them as “square bodys”. Two pickup boxes were available. The first type, called “Fleetside” by Chevrolet, and “Wideside” by GMC, were double-wall constructed full width, featuring secondary beltline to complement the cab and wraparound tail lamps, with steel and wood floors. The second type, called “Stepside” by Chevrolet, and “Fenderside” by GMC, were narrow width pickup boxes featuring steps and exposed fenders with standalone tail lamps, initially with only wood floors available. The Rounded-Line generation ran for 15 model years (1973-1987) with the exception of the Crew Cab, Blazer, Jimmy and Suburban versions, which continued until 1991.

The Fourth Generation C/K series trucks were introduced in April 1987 as 1988 models, known as the GMT400 platform. There were eight versions of the C/K line for 1988, including: Fleetside Single Cab, Fleetside Extended Cab, Fleetside Crew Cab, and Stepside Single Cab, each in either 2-wheel drive (C) or 4-wheel drive (K). Three trim levels were available, including: Cheyenne, Scottsdale, and Silverado. All Fourth Generation C/K series trucks had independent front suspension.