A thrust reverser system for a gas turbine engine includes a support structure, a transcowl, an actuator, and a hydraulic assist mechanism. The actuator is configured to supply an actuation force to the transcowl to thereby move the transcowl between the stowed and deployed positions. The hydraulic assist mechanism is coupled to the transcowl and is configured to react reverse thrust loads on the transcowl at least when the transcowl is translating between the stowed position and the deployed position.