2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tailgate cables 1999 2500

[REdmon]

I purchased my 99 3/4 ton a few years ago and it always had a missing cable on the tailgate drivers side. Today I went to a dismantling yard and got a matching cable and installed it. However,when lowering the tailgate the driverside cable is taught, while the passenger side cable is slack. This would lead me to believe that the proper lengths for the cables are different lengths. Can anyone confirm that. Also, the tailgate does not lay down level with the bed, but is raised at a slight incline. That doesn't seem correct but need confirmation on that as well. Thanks for any information.

 

[Joe Mc]

I got replacements at Pep Boys (really) when one of mine broke. I took the remaining good one in and got two new. They've been on it going on 5 years now - I think they were like $12 each - found in the "Help" section.

 

[Mishkaya]

The cables should be the same length on both sides. I know the first time I installed a replacement cable, I found that the tailgate didn't lower properly, but I hadn't installed the cable correctly. I also got my cables at Napa for a little over $10

mishkaya

 

[JCyrbok]

I got a set at Murrays Auto for mine (like $15 for the set) and they were the same length. I changed them out in pairs thought (one broke so I changed both). Take them into the auto place to check for length, my guess though is that one of them is just stretched alittle more that the other.



J-

 

[ttbird]

Cables should be replaced in pairs. Older cable has stretched and will not match newer one in length. New, tailgate slightly raised; middle age, even; old age, slightly lower. Then one cable breaks and you start over again. The live history of a taigate cable.

 

[REdmon]

Makes sense. I believe the installation is correct as there is a tang on the cable on the tailgate side that overlaps the bracket so that the cable folds down when the tailgate is moved into the closed position. I will check the auto stores out in my local area and see whats available and make the replacement with two new one. Thanks all for the information.

 

[DieselDoghouse]

From personal experience - what ttbird said

 

[Missouri Mule]

I bit the bullet and bought a new set from a Dodge dealers yes they were expensive but the originals were on there for 11 years.