1997 GMC Sierra 1500 2WD Regular Cab

1997 GMC Sierra C1500 SL
69k Miles 5.0L V8 Rebuilt Automatic 3.73 Posi QA1 Suspension Big Brakes

This 1997 GMC Sierra C1500 SL is a seriously well-built GMT400 that keeps the clean, classic single-cab look while adding the right performance upgrades in all the right places. Finished in Emerald Green Metallic over Gray cloth, this regular-cab, rear-wheel-drive short-bed truck has the stance, hardware, and documentation to back up its appearance.

Power comes from the factory 5.0-liter V8, now paired with a Black Bear Performance 0411 PCM swap kit, EFILive AutoCal V3 tuning module, Volant cold-air intake, and a custom-fabricated stainless header-back exhaust with Hooker stainless long-tube headers. The transmission has been rebuilt and fitted with a shift kit, while the rear has been upgraded with an Eaton Positraction limited-slip, 3.73 straight-cut gears, and Moser 30-spline axles and studs. Add in QA1 suspension, React drop spindles, Borgeson steering, and front/rear big brakes, and this is far more than just a clean OBS truck.

Exterior
Finished in Emerald Green Metallic, this Sierra presents exactly how a clean OBS GMC should - straight, clean, and understated, but with a much more aggressive stance than stock. The bright trim and bumpers contrast nicely with the deep green paint, and the single-cab short-bed proportions give it the look everyone wants.

The truck is equipped with a Wideside bed fitted with a black bed mat, and it also features an LS Fabrication Tailgate Saver gas strut kit for a cleaner, more functional tailgate setup. According to the documentation provided, the rear bumper was replaced in 2021, while later work included paintless dent repair, front bumper trim replacement, front bumper buffing, tailgate linkage replacement, and rear bumper adjustment. The headlights and taillights have also been replaced.

Wheels & Stance
This GMC sits right. It rides on custom American Racing Torq Thrust wheels measuring:

20x8 front

20x10 rear

Wrapped in:

245/45ZR20 front tires

295/40ZR20 rear tires

The combination gives the truck a killer stance without looking overdone. Supporting that look is a properly upgraded suspension setup featuring:

QA1 Level 2 handling kit with coilovers

React Suspension 2-inch drop spindles

Relocated struts

Front track bar

QA1 1.25-inch rear anti-roll bar

Interior
Inside, the truck keeps a clean, factory-style look with a Gray cloth bench seat and tidy original-style trim. It is a straightforward, comfortable OBS interior with the features you actually want:

Air conditioning

Cruise control

Factory AM/FM/cassette stereo

The cabin presents honestly and cleanly, and the truck was also fitted with billet aluminum door strikes in 2023. The odometer shows 69k miles, with approximately 3k added by the current owner.

Engine & Drivetrain
The 5.0L V8 has been thoughtfully upgraded for stronger performance and better response while keeping the truck street-friendly. Underhood features include:

Volant cold-air intake

Black Bear Performance 0411 PCM swap kit

EFILive AutoCal V3 tuning module

Hooker stainless-steel long-tube headers

Custom-fabricated stainless header-back exhaust

Vibrant Performance resonator

Aftermarket muffler

Recent prep work for sale included:

Oil change

New crankshaft position sensor

New fuel pump

New fuel sending unit

Out back, the drivetrain has been substantially strengthened with:

Rebuilt 4-speed automatic

Shift kit

Eaton Positraction limited-slip differential

New straight-cut 3.73 gears

Moser 30-spline axle shafts

Moser studs

Rear crossmember brace

Ladder bars

Per the selling dealer, the differential was rebuilt to support up to 550 wheel horsepower.

Steering & Brakes
This truck does not just look better than stock - it is built to drive better too. Upgrades include:

Borgeson power steering box

Borgeson steering shaft

Pro Performance front and rear big brake kits

14-inch drilled/slotted front rotors

13-inch drilled/slotted rear rotors

A replacement brake master cylinder was installed in March 2023, and the parking brake cable was repaired in December 2025. A set of uninstalled Baer Brakes Tracker adjustable tie-rod ends will also go with the truck.

The Drive
This Sierra is the kind of OBS build that appeals to people who know what they are looking at. It has the clean look, the right color, the right wheel fitment, and a serious list of upgrades underneath. It is not just lowered for looks - it has real suspension, steering, rear-end, and braking upgrades that separate it from the average single-cab truck.

If you have been looking for a well-sorted GMT400 that combines low-mile appeal, documentation, tasteful modifications, and true performance-minded hardware, this 1997 GMC Sierra C1500 SL is a very strong piece.