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1947-1954 Chevy GMC Advance Design truck parts

Chevy/GMC Advance Design Truck Parts

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Chevy/GMC C10 Truck Parts

1967-1972 Chevy GMC C10 truck parts

Chevy/GMC C10 Truck Parts

1973-1987 Chevy GMC Square Body truck parts

Chevy/GMC Squarebody Truck Parts

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Chevy/GMC OBS Truck Parts

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Chevy/GMC S10 Truck Parts

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Tailgate Saver Installation for 1981-1987 Trucks

Install Steps

  1. Remove the driver side factory bolt that attaches the trunnion onto the tailgate.
  2. Install the ball stud. If this bolt is a 3/8″ body bolt, install the provided 3/8″ ball stud at the base of the tailgate using thread locker.
    Ball stud installed at base of 1981-87 tailgate trunnion
  3. Drill and tap if needed. If your tailgate trunnion uses a 5/16″ body bolt, drill and tap the hole to accept our larger, stronger 3/8″ ball stud.
  4. Remove the taillight and housing.
  5. Drill the support bracket hole. From the top of the tailgate trunnion bolt (box panel side), measure up 6″ and 1/2″ back, then drill a 5/16″ hole.
    Support bracket hole location on 1981-87 tailgate, measured from trunnion bolt
  6. Attach the support bracket. Attach the LS stainless steel support bracket with the supplied M8 ball stud, washer, and jam nut.
  7. Drill the lower hole. Using the bracket as a guide, drill the lower hole and attach the M8 button head bolt and jam nut.
  8. Reinstall the taillight housing.
  9. Remove the driver side tailgate strap by grinding off the factory rivet that attaches the metal strap to the tailgate latch catch.
  10. Attach the Gate Saver with the shaft pointing down.
  11. Check clearance. Slowly cycle through the opening and closing motion to check for clearance.

The 1981-87 trucks use the later front end but share the cab with the whole run, so most of our 73-87 Squarebody truck parts fit yours — including bead rolled firewalls and billet door strikers.

For any questions or concerns with your install, don’t hesitate to email us at info@lsfab.com

Parts used in this guide

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