{"product_id":"gabriel-load-carrier-rear-spring-assist-shocks-for-chevrolet-gmc-c-k-trucks-pair-500-lb-support-heavy-duty-d-o-m-construction","title":"Gabriel Load Carrier Rear Spring-Assist Shocks for Chevrolet\/GMC C\/K Trucks — Pair, 500 lb Support, Heavy-Duty D.O.M. Construction","description":"\u003cb\u003eGabriel 43163 Load Carrier rear spring-assist shocks are a matched pair of heavy-duty replacement shocks that combine variable-rate coil springs with a sealed shock design to help support up to 500 lbs per pair and improve stability when towing or hauling.\u003c\/b\u003e\n\nGabriel has engineered ride-control products since 1907, and the Load Carrier line blends suspension spring support with conventional damping to reduce rear sag and restore ride height during sustained loads. These rear shocks are built with D.O.M. tubing, a chromed piston rod, and a leak-resistant seal to hold up under frequent towing and heavy use. They are sold as a pair and designed to fit select Chevrolet and GMC C\/K-series pickup applications — always verify vehicle fitment before purchase.\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do these shocks help when towing a trailer?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Load Carrier design adds spring-assisted support to the rear axle so the truck maintains a more level stance under continual loads. That extra support helps keep headlight aim more stable, reduces rear-end sag, and improves overall vehicle control while towing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVariable-rate rear coil springs supply up to 500 lbs. of support per pair (not an increase to GVWR).\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eShock damping controls rebound and compression for smoother handling under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eImproved ride height retention reduces sway and instability from rear-heavy loads.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWill these change my truck’s payload rating or GVWR?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo — Gabriel Load Carrier shocks provide supplemental support but do not alter the vehicle manufacturer’s payload rating or GVWR. They are intended to assist stability and ride height during loaded conditions, not to increase certified carrying capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse the shocks to help maintain ride height when hauling, not to exceed vehicle limits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAlways follow the vehicle manufacturer’s weight ratings and towing guidelines.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVariable springs are measured as support, not an increase of payload certification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat are the key construction features and how do they help longevity?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGabriel builds these shocks with drawn-over-mandrel (D.O.M.) tubing to minimize internal wear and a chromed piston rod for corrosion resistance and consistent seal performance. A leak-resistant piston seal extends service life, and the robust coil springs are wound to provide dependable load support through repeated use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eD.O.M. tubing reduces internal abrasion and improves durability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eChromed piston rod protects against rust and promotes smooth operation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eLeak-proof piston seal helps maintain damping performance longer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I confirm fitment for my Chevrolet or GMC truck?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFitment varies by year, model, and bed configuration; always verify with a fitment tool or parts guide before ordering. The Gabriel 43163 rear shocks list compatibility with many C1500, C2500, C3500, K1500 and K2500 series trucks as a starting reference.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCheck the vehicle year, make, model, and rear mounting codes.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse retailer \"Confirmed Fit\" tools or consult OEM cross-reference numbers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eCompare extended and collapsed lengths (25.05\" extended, 15.69\" collapsed) and stroke (9.36\").\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\nWho is this for?\n\nThese Gabriel 43163 Load Carrier rear shocks are aimed at truck owners who frequently tow or carry heavy rear loads — boat owners, landscapers, contractors, and anyone who wants improved rear support and more consistent handling while hauling. If you need durable, service-oriented shocks built to resist leakage and corrosion, provide spring-assist support, and fit older Chevy or GMC C\/K pickups, this Gabriel pair is engineered for that use. Remember to confirm exact fitment for your vehicle and adhere to your manufacturer’s weight limits.\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Do Gabriel Load Carrier shocks increase my truck's payload?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: No. They provide supplemental rear support for stability but do not change payload rating or GVWR.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: What is the load support capacity of the Gabriel 43163 pair?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: The variable-rate rear coils supply up to 500 lbs of support per pair; do not exceed vehicle manufacturer limits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Gabriel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48082196005022,"sku":"B001AMEDQY","price":159.17,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0781\/2041\/9486\/files\/gabriel-load-carrier-rear-shocks-front-packaging.jpg?v=1785810708","url":"https:\/\/northtrailauto.ca\/products\/gabriel-load-carrier-rear-spring-assist-shocks-for-chevrolet-gmc-c-k-trucks-pair-500-lb-support-heavy-duty-d-o-m-construction","provider":"North Trail Auto","version":"1.0","type":"link"}