Frequently bought together
Description
The Gate Saver is a tailgate assist shock for 1994–2004 Chevy S10 and GMC S15 trucks. It slows the tailgate as it opens, so the gate drops under control after you unlatch it instead of falling to the end of its cables.
Features
- Dampens the tailgate opening action.
- Kit includes the dampener, two ball studs and a jam nut.
- Works with tailgate cables on both sides of the tailgate.
- Instructions come in the kit.
Fitment notes
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 installation instructions are on our site.
Truck compatibility and specs
Fits these trucks
1994–2004
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
- 9401GS
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Popular in S10 GMC Chevy Truck Parts:
Installation
The kit ships with the dampener, two ball studs, a jam nut and instructions, and it works with tailgate cables on both sides of the gate.
Reviews
14 reviews for Tailgate Saver Shock (Strut) – 94-04 S10 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 1994–2004 Chevy and GMC S10, S10 Blazer, S15, S15 Jimmy, Sierra, Silverado 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.
Allen Davis (verified owner) –
Like a glove. Very well made
Stewart (verified owner) –
Works great, be very careful drilling the holes, I went a little too high and my lower taillight screw won’t go in, user error. Very clean otherwise
Thomas Hillegass (verified owner) –
Works great.
Burl P. (verified owner) –
The shipping was impressively fast, and the kit appears to be of excellent quality. Installation was straightforward and hassle-free. It took me about 45 to 50 minutes to complete the process. I did make one small adjustment by adding a washer to the ball stud in the tailgate hinge. Overall, it’s been a fantastic product so far. Big thanks to LS Fab!
David S. (verified owner) –
Recently installed, seems like good quality and no more tailgate banging down!
Michael Staples (verified owner) –
Installation was a breeze !! I’ve been bragging to everyone about this product!!!
Charles P. (verified owner) –
Brings my s10 up to date with some of the newer trucks. I think it will save the tailgate cables. Thanks
Robert Johnson (verified owner) –
I wasn’t excited about having to drill holes, but once finished, it’s great! I hope the strut lasts.
Tyler (verified owner) –
Pretty good product directions are ok so far so good though no leaks or anything
Pern Lundell –
Shipping took awhile to receive but overall great product. Had to make a few slight modifications as the instructions were not specific to my sonoma. Also the LS bracket with m8 bolt head pictured was not included in the order. Not sure if this is an add on. Thanks for the great part!
William M. (verified owner) –
Had to modify tailgate hinge point on my 2003 S10. A change must have been done after 2001. But no big deal. Operates and functions as expected. Thanks!
Jonatan Sosa (verified owner) –
Jared (verified owner) –
Didn’t fit, had to make it fit with extra hardware. Instructions are worthless. It’s nice once installed.
Beanie (verified owner) –
Absolutely LOVE the tailgate saver! Installation was a breeze!