I open and close my tail gate a lot, and use it for a portable work bench. The last remaining intact cable broke just the other day. I don't want to just put those back on again so got to wondering when Dodge went to the cables? I had a 91 that still had the folding bars, wonder how they fasten to the box it's self? I'm sure they would be long enough.
Both of my cables broke right in the middle where they fold in two.
;D Al

 

just replace the cables ( just my opinion ) i did the cable to metal arm swap on a 94 1/2 ton chevy i had...... more trouble than it was worth really. not sure what year your truck is but my 97 is only on its 2nd set. i replaced them almost a year ago. if this set lasts aslong as the factory set ill never have to replace then again....... replace the truck next time ( to a newer cummins ofcourse ) later, scott

 

Bars use the same "T" stud with double-D top plate to allow the bars to be taken off as the tailgate connection (on older trucks). I don't think it would be worth the effort to change over - besides the bars make a awful lot of racket banging back and forth back there.

 

I'll bet your cables broke right at the bottom (where they bend). That is because the crimped on eyelets allow moisture (water) to get into the cable that is rubber coated. Where does it go? It settles at the bottom (where the bend is) of the cable, causing it to rust out.

So to prevent this from happening again, use some sealant on the exposed ends of the cables (where the eyelet is crimped onto the cable. If you look at the new replacement cables, you will see what I am talking about. I personally used a little epoxy glue to seal up the ends, but just about any sealant will work. Hope this helps, Kevin

 

Thanks for the information every one. Yup they broke right at the place they bend when the tail gate is shut. Never thought about all the back wash winter salt and stuff getting inside the rubber coating, but that does make sence since in the winter all that road slush and stuff ends up coatting every thing in the rear of the truck because of the back wash. As far as the strap type arms rattling back there I don't think you could hear it on my truck ;D the straight pipe does tend to cover up about all the squeaks and rattles the truck makes.
;D Al

 

Just take the coating off the cables and there won't be a problem.

 

just bought a new set for my dad. they cost 14 bucks A piece
DM01

 

For what they are, they are to expensive.

 

Anyone know where you can but replacement pivot bushings? Mine are worn out after 280,000 miles.

 

Right- in the salt belt they'll rust away in half the time or faster that way. The coating helps a lot. I'm on my second set since 1996 too. Mine also went at the bend in the middle where the cable folds- I noticed the coating split several months before the cable actually snapped- had I sealed the coating maybe they would have lasted longer but for under $15 a piece it's not worth my time and effort.
Autozone has them in stock, CAP I think has them in stock. I ordered from JC Whitneys since I was ordering stuff anyway- I think it cost $12 each.

I can't believe we here will pay hundreds for a piece of tube and an air filter someone calls a performance intake kit but complain a $15 cable is too expensive!

 

Well yeah, that's 15 more dollars I have to save to buy an intake, lol.

I had an 88 F150 and it still had stock cables on it... but my 02 ram's are about shot...sounds like yet another possible bad design for Dodge, nothin serious like the dash cracks, but yet still a bit annoying

 

try putting oil on the ends. this should help keep the water out..

make you own. use stainless steel cables used in boat rigging.

-dkenny