A mid-life cycle facelift and mechanical upgrade was given to these trucks for the 1981 model year.  The 1981 rework of these trucks several fuel saving techniques to help make the Square Body Chevy pickups more fuel efficient. An extra sleek front clip emerged. Dual Headlights were available at the deluxe trim level. These trucks also had fuel injected engines as an option. The stepside trucks became less and less popular during this time, growing fewer and fewer in production numbers. Other changes included horizontal marker lights and redesigned tailgate.