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. Not sure what year your truck is? Decode its VIN.
Specifications
- Part number
- 7387TGC
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Most often bought with this part:
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
Customer reviews
What owners are saying
24
Tailgate Cables - 73-87 GMC Chevy Squarebody C10 Truck
Common questions
Is trimming or drilling needed?
On the latch kits, yes. Expect to trim the tailgate itself, drill one hole in the tailgate jamb for the supplied rivnut and one in the bedside jamb for the striker mount. Templates are included in the kit and the installation template is also published as a PDF on the product page.
Do I reuse any factory hardware?
On the latch kits the factory latch hardware is still required alongside the additional hardware supplied. Everything else - latches, latch mounts, bed bracket and cable mounts, cables - is in the kit.
Will this fix a gate that will not close square?
A worn latch mechanism is the usual cause and the kit replaces it, but a sagging gate is normally the trunnions or hinges rather than the latch. If the gate drops at one end when it is closed, start with the trunnion and hinge kit for your year.
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 leaves our warehouse in 1-3 business days. Transit after that is typically 2-5 business days in the United States. 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 return it by mail. Return shipping is on you, and the part needs to come back uninstalled and unmodified - once a panel has been trimmed or welded it cannot go back. Made-to-order items are final sale. The full terms are on our returns page.
Still not sure? Contact us before you order.
Amazing product
Everything worked perfectly
Super quick shipping
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 !