The strut kit for the 1994-2004 S10 is a gas strut for the second-generation 1994-2004 S10 and Sonoma. It lets the tailgate down slowly, so it stops the slam without changing how the gate latches. The install is a bolt-on job with two drilled holes, and it takes about thirty minutes. First, read through the steps below. Then gather the tools, because the hardest part is getting the first hole in the right place.
Tools you will need
- Drill with a 5/16″ bit
- Sockets and wrenches for the taillight and hinge bolts
- Blue thread locker
- Tape measure and a marker
S10 tailgate saver install steps
The S10 tailgate saver mounts on two ball studs, so nothing gets welded to the truck.
- First, remove the passenger side taillight. It gives you access to the inside of the bed panel.
- Drill the mounting hole. Drill a 5/16″ hole 3/4″ down from the lower taillight hole and 3/4″ back from the box panel.
- Attach the ball stud. Attach the longer ball stud with the stainless support bracket vertical and low-profile jam nut on the inside of the taillight opening.
- Drill the second hole. Using the support bracket as a guide, drill another 5/16″ hole and attach the M8 button head bolt and low-profile jam nut.
- Install the short ball stud. Remove the factory tailgate hinge bolt and install the short M8 ball stud in the hole with blue thread locker.
- Install the strut. Install the 94-04 S10 strut with the small shaft pointing down.
- Finally, cycle the tailgate slowly to confirm smooth operation and check clearances.
The rest of our S10 range — tailgate hardware and billet accessories cut for these trucks — is in the S10 and Sonoma truck parts collection.
The gate saver controls the drop of the tailgate, but it does not support the weight of the gate. Therefore, keep both factory cables in place. If you ever need to take the strut off, pop it from the tailgate stud first. The earlier trucks use a different mount, so the 1982-1993 S10 guide covers those. Gas struts lose a little pressure over the years, so a strut that feels weak after a long time is normal wear rather than a fault.
For any questions or concerns with your install, don’t hesitate to email us at info@lsfab.com
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