Frequently bought together
Description
The Gate Saver is a tailgate assist shock for 1988–1998 Chevy and GMC OBS trucks. It slows the tailgate on the way down, so the gate opens freely after unlatching instead of dropping to the end of its travel and slamming.
Features
- Dampens the tailgate opening action so the gate lowers under control.
- Kit includes the dampener, two ball studs and a jam nut.
- Works with tailgate cables on both sides of the tailgate.
- Also works on trucks running tailgate straps.
Choose your option
- Gate Saver on its own.
- Gate Saver with a pair of 88–91 tailgate cables.
Fitment notes
On a truck with tailgate straps, the driver side strap has to come off to fit the Gate Saver. Use your own judgment on what the gate will carry on a single strap. Box liners, tailgate caps, heavy body work and anything else that adds weight to the tailgate will change the rate of fall.
The written tailgate saver installation instructions are on our site. If you have the bed apart anyway, look at our tilt bed scissor hinges and the rest of our OBS truck parts.
Not included
- Replacement tailgate cables, unless you choose the option that includes a pair.
- A drill. The ball stud locations are drilled during the install, and the written instructions on our site give the measurements - measure and centre punch before drilling.
Truck compatibility and specs
Fits these trucks
1988–1998
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
- 8898GS
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Popular in 88-98 GMC Chevy OBS Truck Parts:
Installation
The kit comes with the dampener, two ball studs and a jam nut, and it works with tailgate cables on either side of the gate.
If your truck uses tailgate straps rather than cables, the driver side strap has to be removed to install it. Think about what the tailgate will be asked to hold with one strap left.
Reviews
66 reviews for Tailgate Saver Shock (Strut) – 88-98 GMC Chevy 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?
Yes - the ball stud locations are drilled, and the written installation instructions on our site give the measurements. Measure and centre punch before you drill: the most common install mistake reported to us is a hole placed slightly too high, which then fouls the lower taillight screw.
How do I know it fits my truck?
This part is listed for 1988–1998 Chevy and GMC C1500, C2500, C3500, K1500, K2500, K3500 and others. 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.
Steven OConnor (verified owner) –
I just put a new tailgate on my 1991 454SS and the tailgate would slam down if you let it. After seeing new trucks and how their tailgates come down slow I said I want that! The shock kit from LS Fabrication took that all away in about 20 minutes install time. Shipping was fast and the kit included a convenient scan code to take you directly to the install steps online. Nice! It works amazing easy to install, not overly expensive (when you consider tailgate hardware rebuild kits) and looks to be well made. I highly recommend this if you don’t want your tailgate slamming down all the time.
peter piliero (verified owner) –
I am extremely disappointed, There are on instructions for instillation. Why do people assume everyone has a smart phone ? I do not , I am not that important a flip phone serves me well. Please email me some instructions.
Tom F. (verified owner) –
Great product, easy instal with the instructions provided. Thanks
Brian Breeland (verified owner) –
Simple yet effective
Vince Brackelsberg (verified owner) –
Easy installation and works great!
MJ (verified owner) –
Product is quality made. Installation video makes it clear and simple with minimal effort. Would purchase again and will recommend 👌🏽
Kevin C. (verified owner) –
Received my order quickly from Canada to Florida. Installation was easy. Hydraulic tailgate strut works great. Highly recommend.
Roy Gill (verified owner) –
Excellent product, highly recommend
Robert Dominguez (verified owner) –
Outstanding product!
Randy F. (verified owner) –
Awesome service and products…
Steven (verified owner) –
Works perfectly and just as designed
robert b. (verified owner) –
very pleased with product
Hugie Williams (verified owner) –
Perfect fit
domenic spurio (verified owner) –
I am very happy with this item however the install instruction suck it would be nice if you made a sticker with the measurements already done so as that all that needs to be done is for the customer to center punch the drill hole. also the pivot ball that is installed on the tail gate should have a washer that covers the old washer mark
William Hensley (verified owner) –
I mounted this second order to the right side (passenger) of the tailgate that didn’t take long after installing the first which went smoothly too. I didn’t expect it, but the tailgate came out when the gate was on its way down. So i made a bracket to bolt in to keep it in, that also would slow a thief down trying to steal the gate. The way the OBS tailgates work I don’t think any of the clamp type solutions would work. I can send a picture of the bracket to share with other OBS customers if you want. Thanks for your great product and customer service. Bill Hensley
Steve S. (verified owner) –
Alfredo amezcua (verified owner) –
Scott F. (verified owner) –
Johnny (verified owner) –
Great products! I ordered the tailgate saver for my truck and my son did as well. Game changer for sure. Easy to install and now my tailgate opens like a brand new truck tailgate instead of slamming down.
David Stavely (verified owner) –
Great product works as described. They are the only ones who I found offering this product.
Dewayne Kiser (verified owner) –
Include better detailed instructions
Steven Mcnemar (verified owner) –
This is a great upgrade for the 88-98 C/K trucks. Installation was easy and only took about 20 minutes. It looks great and adds a modern touch. I highly recommend this part!
John Y. (verified owner) –
Glad these guys are making parts for OBS trucks! The Tailgate Saver Shock was a very welcome addition to my 93 restoration project. The part is high quality and works very well…no more banging tailgate! Pay particular attention to the order the screws and components are installed as there is one screw that isn’t accessible to reinstall if you do it in the wrong order. Only took a few minutes to correct. Highly recommend this!
Jake (verified owner) –
Works great to keep that big heavy tailgate from slamming down!
Raymond (verified owner) –
Great Product! Simple Instructions. Easy to Install.
Alexander B. (verified owner) –
This thing is a life saver for an old man
John K. (verified owner) –
Great product but shipping took forever to US. Not LS Fab’s fault tho.
jack m. (verified owner) –
The product is fine but the instructions sucked. Finally called for technical assistance and he was wonderful. Walked me through the entire process and said to call back if I needed more assistance
Zoli Prokop (verified owner) –
Robert SMITH (verified owner) –
Came thru when first shipment was held up in customs. Would recommend to anyone.
David Murray (verified owner) –
Quick Easy Installation
Michael Brooks (verified owner) –
The Tailgate Saver Shock is a fantastic product, easy to install, and far superior to other brands.
Terence Lewis (verified owner) –
Tailgate saver works great! Thanks!
Rocky E Nixon (verified owner) –
Easy install! Works perfectly as described!!!
admin (verified owner) –
Love it! Enjoy the gate saver and thanks for the kind words, Josh!
Joshua Stottlemyer (verified owner) –
Just got my tailgate shock kit and I will say money in the bank! Easy install and functions very smooth
Steven D. (verified owner) –
Install was a breeze and it works as advertised!!! So stoked that I found this on YouTube!!
Mike Hadjis (verified owner) –
Great product keeps tailgate from slamming down when you open it. Easy installation.
Patrick B. (verified owner) –
Easy to install and works great!! Highly recommend. 👍
Shanon Hunt (verified owner) –
Roger G. (verified owner) –
Really like this product. Very easy to install and operates the gate really smooth.
Bill K. (verified owner) –
Product looks great! Will install once weather breaks!
Andy B. (verified owner) –
Whitney D. (verified owner) –
First time drilling a hole on my truck. Tailgate Saver looks fabulous and works well! Thanks
Andy Cusyck (verified owner) –
Great product and easy to install!
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Great product
Timothy Tabor (verified owner) –
Haven’t installed it yet but quality looks good. Your rating numbers don’t work!
Lance King (verified owner) –
Tailgate saver is an Awesome product! Super easy installation with just simple tools. All original hardware works with my application. The kit came with everything needed. Now, it’s super easy to open the tailgate without the worry of damaging it, the bumper or other parts. Simply pull the handle and let Tailgate Saver do the work! I’m very happy with the results
Robert jenkins (verified owner) –
Easy to install and works good
shane p. (verified owner) –
Great product. Very easy to install. Quick delivery
Eddie Russell (verified owner) –
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Thomas G. (verified owner) –
A nice upgrade to my OBS tailgate
Josh (verified owner) –
Works great!! Easy install and very happy with the product!! I use my tailgate everyday cutting grass in my OBS!!
Will S. (verified owner) –
We bought two kits and are going to buy two more. They are absolutely Awesome!!!!
Jeff Moore (verified owner) –
Very simple installation and works great extremely happy someone made a kit for the obs chevy probably will be ordering a second one for other obs gmc
Ryan C. (verified owner) –
I love this! Best money spent! Thank you
Cole (verified owner) –
Works great! Makes my 89 C1500 feel like a 2022. Chicks dig it
Mrualreadykno (verified owner) –
Nice product….quick and easy install….buy now !!!!!!!
Gilbert denton (verified owner) –
Very high quality fits perfectly and easy install with simple tools in about 20 minutes
Jarrad C. (verified owner) –
Just got my 97 GMC back from paint, I hate it when my kids/wife let the tailgate down when opening. I don’t have that issue any longer. The ball ends on the shock set this kit apart. Very nice design.
Zeb Lewis –
Great Add-On For My 97 OBS Just Open & Let It Glide For The Price You Can’t Beat It. I Was Hoping Someone Would Bring The Soft Control Tailgate & They Answered With This Kit.
David (verified owner) –
Great product, easy install took 20min. Works as it should! 👍🏼
DKASPER –
Bought this for my 1992 GMC. The strut operates nice and smooth no jerky motions. Was a super easy install, clears my cables for my tailgate with ease. I even fitted three different sets of taillights in my truck and I never had a clearance issue with the top ball stud. Over all it is a great add on to my truck and I love it
Carlos Hernandez –
Great product, and a super easy installation. Comes with stainless hardware which is a nice touch. The guys at LS Fab have put a lot of thought into their products and the quality shows!!!! Definitely will be back for more parts!
Low_Kuntree (verified owner) –
Very cool idea! Been thinking about this from the newer trucks.
Is a very simple install, if you have Standard factory type tail lights. If you have any custom or shaved tail lights it may require longer rivnuts for thick metal or you’ll need to weld in a nut for the upper mounting point.
With a full custom truck I don’t have to worry about someone else opening the tailgate and not being gentle and loving with it! Great little kit!