Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 1983 Caballero.
The 1983 GMC Truck Caballero is defined by its powertrain's demanding lubrication requirements, specifically its 6-quart engine oil capacity and the specified use of 15W-30 or 10W-30 API CG viscosity oils. These specifications highlight an engine designed to utilize a substantial fluid volume to ensure consistent operational protection under load. In the context of the model's reliability history, the 1983 Caballero sits at a point where its mechanical longevity is directly tied to strict adherence to these factory oiling standards, meaning that proper, specification-compliant maintenance is the ultimate determinant of the vehicle's lifespan.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine holds 6 qt of 15W-30 / 10W-30 API CG engine oil, 80W-90 · GL-5 in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 3 |
| Differential Gear Oil | 80W-90 · GL-5 |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 4.0 qt |
| Engine Coolant | ETHYLENE GLYCOL |
| Engine Oil | API · 15W-30 · 10W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6 qt |
| Engine Oil | 20W-20 · 20W-40 · 20W-50 · 15W-40 · 5W-30 |
| Engine Oil Capacity | 6 qt |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
CERTAIN HONEYWELL FRAM RACING BRAND HP4 AND HP8 OIL FILTERS THAT WERE MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 25, 2006, THROUGH SEPTEMBER 14, 2007, AND SOLD FOR USE AS REPLACEMENT EQUIPMENT FOR VEHICLES LIST ABOVE. THE AFFECTED FILTERS… Remedy: HONEYWELL WILL REPLACE THE AFFECTED OIL FILTERS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN DURING NOVEMBER 2007. OWNERS CAN CONTACT FRAM CUSTOMER SERVICE TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-890-2075.
THE MASTER CYLINDER REAR BRAKE PIPE, WHICH CARRIES BRAKE FLUID TO THE REAR BRAKES, MAY DEVELOP A LEAK DUE TO EXTENDED CHAFING ON THE AIR CLEANER RESONATOR BRACKET. Remedy: IF UPON INSPECTION THE DEALER FINDS THAT THERE IS INADEQUATE CLEARANCE, THE PIPE WILL BE REFORMED TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY THREE QUARTER INCH SPACE. ONLY THOSE PIPES SHOWING SIGNS…
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
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6 qt of ABOVE 32 degrees F: 30 API CG, 0 degrees F 15W-30 API CG, BELOW 60 degrees F: 10W-30 API CG, per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.