what year did Chevy start with air bags?

[618 Syndicate]

My 1999 2500 doesn't have one. It was based on GVWR. Equal to or less than 8500 lbs. GVWR got airbags. Greater than 8500 lbs. GVWR were not required, and so GM did not install them at the factory.

it was based on federal law. This is probably the law:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/49/571.208

I'm not really motivated to do more research into it. I do know one of the factors was GVWR though.

Similar to CHMSL regs. Cars were required in 86, trucks not until the 90s. 94 or 95 I believe.

 

[AK49BWL]

Similar to CHMSL regs. Cars were required in 86, trucks not until the 90s. 94 or 95 I believe.

Must have been 95 cuz there's too many 94 GMT400 trucks running around without em lol

 

[smdk2500]

Seconded. My '95 2500 has 1, my (now sold) 2500 Suburban and my '00 Denali have 2

Is your 95 a 6 lug 2500? Just asking because both my 95's don't have them but they are both 8 lug. I had always read the the 8600+ gvw didnt get them.

 

[JOHNGAAA1]

The six lug 2500's were a red headed step child and were manufactured in canada.

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

Is your 95 a 6 lug 2500? Just asking because both my 95's don't have them but they are both 8 lug. I had always read the the 8600+ gvw didnt get them.

8 lug 2500 4x2, 5.7 4L80 semifloat rear, 8600 GVW

 

[mattillac]

From the 1995 brochure.

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Changes on the C/K Pickup for 1995 include:

Standard Driver's Side Air Bag under 8600 lb GVW

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1995-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

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From the 1997 brochure.

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1997 NEW PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

CK1500 PICKUP

AIR BAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER

CK2500 PICKUP

AIR BAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER ON ALL VEHICLES BELOW 8600# GVW

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1997-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

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Did not see any RPO code / ordering option for adding air bags to above 8600# trucks.

FWIW, my 1999 k2500 does not have air bags.

 

[Nad_Yvalhosert]

From the 1995 brochure.

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Changes on the C/K Pickup for 1995 include:

Standard Driver's Side Air Bag under 8600 lb GVW

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1995-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

---

From the 1997 brochure.

---

1997 NEW PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

CK1500 PICKUP

AIR BAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER

CK2500 PICKUP

AIR BAG FOR FRONT PASSENGER ON ALL VEHICLES BELOW 8600# GVW

https://www.gmheritagecenter.com/docs/gm-heritage-archive/vehicle-information-kits/Chevrolet-Trucks/1997-Chevrolet-Truck.pdf

---

Did not see any RPO code / ordering option for adding air bags to above 8600# trucks.

FWIW, my 1999 k2500 does not have air bags.

Sweet, then I have a unicorn!