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
Most often bought with this part:
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
Customer reviews
What owners are saying
64
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 are also offered with a pair of replacement tailgate cables as an option at the top of the page.
Does it work with tailgate cables or with straps?
Both. It works with tailgate cables on either side of the gate, and it works on a truck running straps - though on a strap truck 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.
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. The dampener is sized for a normal gate.
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 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.
Still not sure? Contact us before you order.
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.
Great product, easy instal with the instructions provided. Thanks
Simple yet effective
Easy installation and works great!
Product is quality made. Installation video makes it clear and simple with minimal effort. Would purchase again and will recommend 👌🏽