Frequently bought together
Description
The Gate Saver is a tailgate assist shock for 1973–1987 Chevy and GMC Squarebody trucks. It slows the tailgate as it swings down, so the gate opens, closes and latches under control instead of dropping hard.
Features
- Dampens the tailgate opening action.
- Kit includes the dampener, two ball studs and a jam nut.
- LS Fab stainless support bracket included.
- Works with tailgate cables on both sides of the tailgate.
Choose your option
- Year: 1973–1975, 1976–1980 or 1981–1987.
- Cables: none, add one cable, or add two cables.
Fitment notes
Installing the Gate Saver takes minor trimming of the tailgate and an M8 tap. Removing your factory link arm will lessen the tailgate's ability to handle heavy loads. Box liners, tailgate caps, heavy body work and anything else that adds weight to the gate will change the rate of fall.
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
- 7380TGS
- 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
The kit includes the dampener, two ball studs, an LS Fab stainless support bracket and a jam nut, and it works with tailgate cables on either side of the gate.
Minor trimming of the tailgate and an M8 tap are required. Removing your factory link arm will lessen the tailgate's ability to handle heavy loads.
Reviews
20 reviews for Tailgate Saver Shock (Strut) – 73-87 GMC Chevy Squarebody Truck
Common questions
What is in the Gate Saver kit?
The dampener, two ball studs and a jam nut. Some year kits also include a support bracket, and some are offered with replacement tailgate cables as an option at the top of the page.
Does it work with tailgate cables or with straps?
It works with tailgate cables. On a truck running metal straps, the driver side strap has to come off to make room for it - use your own judgement about what the gate will carry on a single strap, or fit cables in its place.
Will it still slow the gate if my tailgate is heavier than stock?
The rate of fall depends on gate weight, so a box liner, a tailgate cap, heavy body work or anything else added to the gate changes how fast it drops. On the years where a factory link arm comes off to fit it, the gate will also carry less weight than before.
Do I have to drill or cut anything?
Yes. Fitting it takes minor trimming of the tailgate and an M8 tap, and the ball stud locations are drilled using the measurements in the written installation instructions on our site. Measure and centre punch before you drill.
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.
Still not sure? Contact us before you order.
Anthony P. (verified owner) –
1984 GMC C2500. Easy install with good instructions. My strut was faulty and they replaced it immediately. Responded within a few hours and had one shipped out same day. Awesome customer service. Works great!
James B. (verified owner) –
Tailgate works like a new truck now
Bob Jamieson (verified owner) –
parts will make old truck tailgate, work like a later model truck tailgate, thanks
Kristian Salvesen (verified owner) –
admin –
Thanks so much for the 5 star review!
Chad C. (verified owner) –
Randy Rosenbaum (verified owner) –
Greg (verified owner) –
Works well. Easy to install. The device to install the anchor was confusing as it was not seen in the video but I figured it out after I drilled the hole a bit to large.
I Also bought the cables so I had support on both sides and they where also easy to install and add a nice touch.
KANO T. (verified owner) –
When installing my 1974 C10, I shaved off half the head of the bolt at the base of the gate. If I didn’t, I would be shocked. If you forcefully close it, you may break some of it, so be careful. My impression after installation is that it feels great!
Robby Fink (verified owner) –
Love this makes the tailgate open and close a lot better and no more slamming or falling tailgate
Brian Snyder (verified owner) –
Product was a perfect fit, easily installed and makes a very nice upgrade. And the customer service was outstanding, including rectifying an “oops” on my part due to forgetting I needed a later model strut for my 74 with an 81 box.
Colin Z. (verified owner) –
Build quality is heavy duty and seems like it will last. And the instructions were easy to understand.
Jeff G. (verified owner) –
Great product would definitely buy again
shawn broussard (verified owner) –
It works great and was easy to install
Mike Wyatt (verified owner) –
It works well on my ‘79 GMC truck. Following the instructions everything went smoothly. I used an insert nut on the tailgate. I would buy again.
Jose Alvarez (verified owner) –
Heath Fulk (verified owner) –
It is really cool love it ! A little hard to get measured up but I got it ! Drilled a hole I little big but luckily got it to work with the hard ware they give in the set
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Lee Pollard (verified owner) –
Very pleased the way it looks haven’t installed it yet but looks great and fast shipping thanks LS FABRICATION
Steve Caspary (verified owner) –
Super cool product!! Easy install!! Works amazing, good job guys !!