How to decode a 1998 GMC Suburban VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 1998 GMC Suburban VIN

World Manufacturer Identifiers (WMIs) are unique codes assigned to each vehicle manufacturer to identify the location, manufacturer’s name, and the vehicle type. For the 1998 GMC Suburban, the WMI reveals that it was manufactured by General Motors LLC, indicating its lineage from a notable American automaker. This specific model, often classified as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV), was produced in Warren, Michigan, United States. The first three digits of its Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) either start with ‘1GK’ for units produced from 1987 to 2000 or with ‘3GK’ for those made between 1995 and 1999, reflecting its production era and origin within General Motors’ extensive range of vehicles. This classification aids in accurately identifying and tracking vehicles for registration, recall, and other purposes.

List of WMI Codes for a 1998 GMC Suburban

WMI: 1GK

Model Years Covered: 1987-2000
Example VIN: 1GKGK26R7WJ724348
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States WMI: 3GK
Model Years Covered: 1995-1999
Example VIN: 3GKGK26J1WG502769
Manufacturer Name: General Motors LLC
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Warren
State or Province: Michigan
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 1998 GMC Suburban VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 1998 GMC Suburban:

Known VDS for a 1998 GMC Suburban
GK26R	GK26J	FK16R	GK26F	GC26J	EC16R

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 1998 GMC Suburban VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 1998 GMC Suburban VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
W	1998

11th Character in the 1998 GMC Suburban VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 1998 GMC Suburban Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
G	Silao	Guanajuato	Mexico		3GKGK26J1WG502769
J	Janesville	Wisconsin	United States	Gm Truck Group	1GKGK26R7WJ724348

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 1998 GMC Suburban

The final 6 characters in a 1998 GMC Suburban’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

Check your GMC Suburban’s VIN below:

How to find a 1998 GMC Suburban’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 1998 GMC Suburban is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your 1998 GMC Suburban. The VIN is typically found on a plate that is visible through the windshield.
Check the door jamb on the driver’s side of your GMC Suburban. The VIN can often be found on a label or sticker where the door closes.
Examine the engine block of the Suburban. The VIN might be stamped onto the engine itself.
Look at the vehicle’s frame near the windshield washer fluid tank as the VIN can sometimes be found in this area on older models like the 1998 GMC Suburban.
Inspect the documents associated with the vehicle, such as the title, insurance papers, and registration, which should all list the VIN of your GMC Suburban.

What info can a 1998 GMC Suburban VIN reveal?

Model Year and Make: The VIN contains information indicating that the vehicle may be a 1998 Suburban, providing potential insights into the age and market value of the vehicle.
Engine Specifications: The VIN may include detailed engine characteristics, such as a 6.5L displacement, V-Shaped engine configuration, and a diesel fuel type.
Drive Type and Turbo Information: It is possible that the VIN can indicate the vehicle’s drive type as 4-wheel drive (4WD) and may also mention the presence of a turbocharger, potentially enhancing off-road capabilities and performance.
Body Class: The VIN might reveal the vehicle’s classification as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV), offering potential insights into its size and intended use.
Manufacturing Details: Specific manufacturing details, such as the vehicle being assembled in Janesville, Wisconsin by the GM Truck Group, may be embedded within the VIN.
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR): It can categorize the vehicle in Class 2G, potentially specifying a GVWR range from 8,001 to 9,000 lb, which could be critical for understanding its load-carrying capacity.
Safety and Vehicle Type: The designation as a Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle could imply standard safety features and capabilities tailored for passenger transport and versatile use.

Don’t have your 1998 GMC Suburban’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 1998 GMC Suburban

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Brake System Type	Hydraulic
Displacement (CC)	6500.0
Displacement (CI)	396.65433661575
Displacement (L)	6.5
Drive Type	4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Engine Configuration	V-Shaped
Engine Manufacturer	ROM
Engine Number of Cylinders	8
Fuel Type - Primary	Diesel
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 2G: 8,001 - 9,000 lb (3,629 - 4,082 kg)
Model	Suburban
Model Year	1998
Other Engine Info	HO
Plant City	Janesville
Plant Company Name	GM Truck Group
Plant Country	United States
Plant State	Wisconsin
Series	Conventional Cab
Trim2	3/4 ton nominal
Turbo	Yes
Vehicle Descriptor	1GKGK26F*WJ
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	1GKGK26F1WJ718065