Frequently bought together
Description
These tailgate cables replace the old metal straps on a 1973–1987 Chevrolet or GMC squarebody. The cable is a direct replacement, and the rattle, the rust and the flaking paint go with the strap.
Features
- Direct replacement for the factory metal tailgate strap.
- Two lengths, matched to the year of your tailgate.
- Comes with all necessary mounting hardware.
Choose your option
- 1973–1975: 15.5" from the center of the eyelet to the center of the slotted pin on the tailgate.
- 1976–1987: 16" from the center of the eyelet to the center of the slotted pin on the tailgate.
Fitment notes
Measure your current strap before you order. Tailgates, latches and striker plates get swapped between years, and the measurement tells you which length your truck actually takes.
With our Gen 1 Gate Saver (larger diameter, 18.3mm) one cable is needed, on the passenger side. With the Gen 2 Gate Saver (smaller diameter, 15.3mm) two cables can be used, one on each side of the tailgate.
Truck compatibility and specs
Fits these trucks
1973–1987
Not sure this is the right part for your truck? Send us your year, make and model and we will confirm the fit before you order.
Specifications
- Part number
- 7387TGC
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Popular in 73-87 GMC Chevy Square Body Truck Parts:
Installation
A direct replacement that goes on in about five minutes.
The cables come with all the mounting hardware. The slotted end may need slight filing, since slot widths vary a little from gate to gate.
Reviews
24 reviews for Tailgate Cables – 73-87 GMC Chevy Squarebody C10 Truck
Common questions
Is trimming or drilling needed?
No. The cables are a direct replacement for the factory metal straps and come with all the mounting hardware. Slot widths vary a little from gate to gate, so the slotted end may need slight filing to drop in.
How long does it take to install?
About five minutes.
Which length do I need?
Measure your current strap from the centre of the eyelet to the centre of the slotted pin on the tailgate: 15.5" is the 1973-1975 length and 16" the 1976-1987 length. Tailgates, latches and strikers get swapped between years, so the measurement is a better guide than the year of the truck.
How do I know it fits my truck?
This part is listed for 1973–1987 Chevy and GMC C10, C20, C30, Sierra and Silverado. The full year, make and model list is in the Truck Compatibility tab on this page. If your truck has been modified, or you are between two of the year ranges we list, send us the year, make and model and we will confirm the fit before you order rather than after.
How long before it ships?
It is a stock item and generally ships within 1-3 business days. Carrier transit time is on top of that, and larger orders can arrive in more than one box on different days.
What if it is not right for the truck?
You have 30 days from delivery to request a return. The part needs to come back new, uninstalled and in its original packaging - once a part has been trimmed or welded it cannot go back. Return shipping is at your cost, and we ask that returns come by Canada Post. Made-to-order, sale and clearance items are final sale. The full terms are on our returns page.
Still not sure? Contact us before you order.

























robert rust (verified owner) –
Amazing product
Jose Murguia (verified owner) –
Everything worked perfectly
Rosario Canizales (verified owner) –
Super quick shipping
Daryl Roerick (verified owner) –
Joseph (verified owner) –
The 16″ tailgate cable hinges worked great on my 77 c10 I didn’t realize there were different lengths for the different year model tailgates but I’m happy they worked thank you love them !
Jeffrey R. (verified owner) –
They were simple to install and they are perfect
Melissa (verified owner) –
Came super fast , excellent customer service.
Dennis Yokley (verified owner) –
Tom Reese (verified owner) –
Quick delivery and great product
Taylor (verified owner) –
Great product, minimal work to get everything installed, took care of that annoying metal on metal rattle that the stock brackets produce
Gabriel Cervantes (verified owner) –
Justin C. (verified owner) –
Getting rid of the rattling factory setup.
Robby Fink (verified owner) –
Excellent product works like it’s supposed to also shipping was nice didn’t take to long to get here
Colin Z. (verified owner) –
Both fit perfectly and were the same length
Guillermo Jr Gutierrez (verified owner) –
Calvin Pochinko (verified owner) –
From Canada:
The tailgate supports appear to be of the highest quality and craftsmanship and were a perfect fit! I am very happy with the product and they were easy to install with the help of the installation video.. email communication was fast and friendly and I couldn’t ask for a better experience! I did have to pay a little bit of import Duty and tax to bring them to Canada but that is to be expected and I may lose a couple points for being non-original but I don’t care because I combined them with a set of Delrin non-removable tailgate bushings so no one can steal my tailgate and things should be all quiet back there now!.. thanks LS Fab!😃
Todd J. (verified owner) –
Great product! Easy to install and no more rattle.
Anthony (verified owner) –
Mike Wyatt (verified owner) –
The 16” cable work well on my ‘79 GMC truck. I did have to open up the slot about 0.010” of an inch to fit on the stud of the tailgate. I also used loctite on the threads as well as staked the end so it doesn’t loosen up. I would buy again.
Will LaRock (verified owner) –
Jose G. (verified owner) –
Manny Perez (verified owner) –
Robert Ware (verified owner) –
Simple install and great product.
Bought 2 cables works great.
Left review on Instagram.
Eddie Andrades (verified owner) –
Awesome products great company keep up the good work glad I met you guys at Dino’s git down