Gabriel Load Carrier 43048 Rear Towing Shock Absorbers - Heavy Duty

In this review of the Gabriel Load Carrier 43048 rear towing shock absorbers, the bottom line is clear: these shocks are for drivers who regularly tow or carry heavy loads and need reliable ride height retention and improved ride quality. The reviewer found the unit pair delivers best-in-class load carrying capability and a noticeably steadier ride under load, making them a practical upgrade for older trucks, vans, and SUVs that see frequent hauling. Installation is straightforward and the design focuses on stability when towing trailers or carrying cargo.

Key Features

• Load capacity: The rear coil springs provide an additional 500 lbs. per pair of load support, helping maintain ride height when towing or hauling.
• Combined shock and spring design: The Front & Rear Spring Assist design pairs shock damping with spring support to reduce sag and improve control during heavy loads.
• Durable construction: Built to handle frequent towing and hauling, these Gabriel shocks are noted for good build quality and longevity under load.
• Vehicle fitment breadth: Fitment covers a wide range of older trucks, vans, and compact pickups from Toyota, Nissan, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Dodge, Ford, Jeep and others, making them useful for many classic and late 20th century models.
• Practical dimensions: The shocks have a collapsed length of 12.62 in, a stroke of 7.83 in and an extended length of 20.45 in, matching many rear applications for RWD pickups and vans.

Who It's For

The Gabriel 43048 is ideal for owners of RWD pickups, vans, and light trucks who frequently tow trailers, haul heavy loads, or want to restore ride height on older vehicles. It is particularly appropriate for models listed in the fitment such as Toyota Pickup and Tacoma, Nissan D21 and Frontier RWD, Mitsubishi Mighty Max, Mazda B series, Dodge and Plymouth compact trucks, and many classic Jeep and Ford pickup applications.

Those who should look elsewhere include drivers of modern, independent rear suspension vehicles or owners looking for adjustable or electronic suspension solutions. Also, if a vehicle is not within the listed fitment or requires a different mount code than EB1, a different part number will be necessary.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Improves ride quality under load and reduces rear sag when towing or carrying heavy cargo.
• Easy installation reported by users, with many noting a quick 20 minute fit per shock in common applications.
• Strong build quality that holds up with added weight, providing reliable long-term service for hauling use.

Cons

• Fitment is focused on older and RWD models, so it is not suitable for modern independent rear suspension or vehicles outside the listed applications.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Gabriel Load Carrier 43048 pair is a solid, cost-effective choice for owners of compatible pickups, vans and light trucks who need improved ride height and towing stability. Its combined spring and shock design provides tangible benefits when hauling, and the wide legacy fitment makes it a practical upgrade for many classic and late model RWD vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will these work for a Toyota Tacoma?
Yes, the 43048 fits many Tacoma models listed in the fitment including 95-03 Tacoma RWD, 01-04 Tacoma and some 2004 Base versions referenced.

How much extra load do they support?
The rear variable rate coil springs provide about 500 lbs. of additional load capacity per pair, helping maintain ride height when loaded.

Are they difficult to install?
Customers report these shocks are relatively easy to install, with many fitting the rear in about 20 minutes per side on common truck applications.