*NOTE* If your truck has metal tailgate straps you will need to remove the driver side strap and rely on the passenger strap to support the weight of the tailgate.
*Use your discretion on weight capability of one strap. The gate saver does not support any weight.
*If your truck has cables then you will keep both straps the gate saver has room for the flexible cable.
1. Remove Driver side taillight. Drill a 5/16 hole 2.5″ down and 5/8″ away from inside box panel. *Reference Picture*
2. Install longer ball stud through hole with flat washer between base of ball stud and box panel and shallow jam nut inside taillight opening. Apply blue thread locker (Loctite)
3. Re install taillight.
4. Remove 13mm tailgate hinge bolt from tailgate and install short ball stud with blue thread locker (loctite)
5. Install gate saver with shaft pointed down.
6. Before using your gate saver check clearances on all moving parts.
6. Before using your gate saver check clearances on all moving parts.
For any questions or concerns with your install, don’t hesitate to email us at [email protected]
Great kit! Tailgate comes down super smooth and pretty easy install. I highly recommend it to anyone with a 88-98 OBS.
Ordered mine, installed it today and im very pleased. Its a pity we can’t add pictures. It will help others and your sales
Hi, I have a 1998 gmc sierra stepside, will this work on a stepside?
You bet!
Just finished installing on my 1997 K1500. It takes about 5 minutes from start to finish. So far it seems to fit and work great. I’ll come back in 90 days to give an update.
After the drillings the hole and installing the ball studs, I’d advise customers to first install the shaft (bottom) to the ball stud in the tailgate and then install the top part. The angles are a little tricky the other way around. You will have to lift the gate a little bit to finish the install. The tailgate saver provides a full range of motion and you have no trouble lifting the tailgate as there is no resistance when closing. The drop is nice, slow, and smooth. Definitely worth the money and the install time.
Good quality product works perfect not hard at all to install