2008 GMC Sierra Options

The GMC Sierra is GMC's entry for the standard and heavy-duty pickup segment of the truck market. The 2008 models were offered with a wide array of possible trim packages, wheelbases, cab sizes, box sizes and drivetrain options, making these trucks highly customizable. While this made it possible for a consumer to order a truck meeting his exact desires or requirements, it means comparing two trucks from this model year can be somewhat tricky.

Model, Cab and Cargo Bed Options

The 2008 GMC Sierra series of trucks were available in three different duty levels with three different cab styles. The standard truck was the 1500; the 2500 and 3500 models were the heavy-duty versions. Cab options included regular, extended and crew. The regular and extended cab body styles were each two-door models while the crew cab was a four door. Cargo bed options for the Sierra also numbered three: short, regular and long-bed.

Engines for the 2008 Sierra series included a 4.3 liter V6, a 4.8 liter V8, four different versions of GMC's 5.3 liter V8, a 6.2 liter V8 or a 6.6 liter turbo-diesel V8. Not all engines were available on all models; the 2500 and 3500 trucks came only with the 6.2 liter or 6.6 liter diesel V8 motors. Each model was available as a two- or four-wheel drive. The larger engines required a six-speed Allison transmission.

Various trim packages were available for all the trucks in the series: WT (work truck) SLE1, SLE2, SLT and Denali. The WT was the most basic package. The Denali was the ultimate outfit. Each successive package improved on the last; for example, the SLE1 came with 17-inch chrome wheels while the SLE2 and SLT had solid aluminum alloy wheels and the Denali was outfitted with 18-inch polished aluminum wheels.

Each model had many other available options and option packages. For example, the Z71 off-road package was available on SLE1 or higher models. Each model except the Denali had two different towing packages available. Each model had a Preferred Package; other options included heated seats, Bose sound systems, rear-seat entertainment systems for crew cabs, remote starters, remote entry systems, 10-way power seats, leather trim and seats, 20-inch wheels, navigation systems and rear power windows.