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. Not sure what year your truck is? Decode its VIN.
Specifications
- Part number
- 7380TGS
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Most often bought with this part:
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
Customer reviews
What owners are saying
19
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.
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!
Tailgate works like a new truck now
parts will make old truck tailgate, work like a later model truck tailgate, thanks
Thanks so much for the 5 star review!