Tailgate Saver Shocks & Struts

Tailgate shocks stop a classic truck tailgate from dropping in one uncontrolled swing. The factory arrangement gives no resistance at all, which works the cables and hinge trunnions harder than they were ever meant to and puts a dent in the bumper the first time someone lets go early. The LS Fabrication Gate Saver is a tailgate assist strut that slows the drop so the gate lowers itself smoothly and holds wherever you stop it.

Gate Saver fitments

• 1967-⁠72 Chevy and GMC C10 — see 67-⁠72 C10 parts
• 1973-⁠87 Chevy and GMC Squarebody — see 73-⁠87 Squarebody parts
• 1988-⁠98 Chevy and GMC OBS — see 88-⁠98 OBS parts
• 1982-⁠93 and 1994-⁠2004 Chevy and GMC S10, S15 and Sonoma — see S10 truck parts
• 1999-⁠2006 Chevy and GMC NBS
• 1967-⁠87 tailgate cable and Gate Saver combo, cables and strut together

Fitting one

The Gate Saver works with the factory tailgate cables and, on most fitments, the factory straps — usually with one strap removed. There is no welding and no drilling of the bedside. It is a bolt-in job that fits either side of the gate.

The rest of the tailgate

If the gate already drops badly, the trunnions and cables behind it are usually worn out too. Replacement trunnion and hinge kits, tailgate cables, latch kits and billet tailgate letters are all in tailgate upgrades.