Frequently bought together
Description
The LS Fabrication Gate Saver is a tailgate assist strut for 1982–1993 Chevy and GMC S10 trucks. It damps the tailgate as it drops, so the gate lowers under control instead of slamming open the moment you unlatch it.
Features
- Kit includes the tailgate dampener strut, two ball studs and a jam nut.
- Instructions are included.
- Slows the opening action so the tailgate falls freely without banging.
Fitment notes
The Gate Saver requires removing the driver side metal tailgate strap. If you would rather have something on that side, install our 82–93 tailgate cables in its place. Anything that adds weight to the tailgate — a box liner, a tailgate cap, heavy body work — will change the rate of fall.
Truck compatibility and specs
Fits these trucks
1982–1993
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
- 8293s10GS
- Material
- Raw Steel
- Brand
- LS Fabrication
- Interior / Exterior
- Exterior
- Weight
- 0.2 kg
Fits alongside
Most often bought with this part:
Installation
The kit comes with the strut, two ball studs, a jam nut and instructions. Before it goes on, the driver side metal tailgate strap has to come off, or you can swap that strap for our 82–93 tailgate cables.
Keep the tailgate's weight in mind. A box liner, a tailgate cap or heavy body work all add mass and change how fast the gate falls.
Reviews
Customer reviews
What owners are saying
2Customer photos and videos
Tailgate Saver Shock (Strut) – 82-93 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 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 1982–1993 Chevy and GMC S10 Blazer, S15, S15 Jimmy, S10 and Sonoma. 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 originally seen this for the 2nd gen s10 and was determined to get this to work on my 1st gen. After my install, my tailgate just wasn’t coming done as slow as I had seen in many videos. I contacted the guys at ls fab and within a week they had a video posted with my specific truck detailing mounting locations. This was great.Also after speaking with Kris he had sent me out a replacement strut to further correct the issue.