Well, I plopped one too many bales of hay on the tailgate today, and both cables snapped.

I've placed my needs in the "Wanted" section, but was wondering if there might be something in the aftermarket that is better.

"Better".... These came up lasting 2 weeks short of 8 years.

 

LOL, Tell me how to get 8 years!

I just had to go to the Zone to replace mine, 15 bucks a side.

 

I've got two years on a set of aftermarket cables that I think I bought of ebay, even under farm truck use they've held up just fine.

 

$17.80 shipped to my door for a pair just last Saturday from e-bay. they look just like the ones on my truck from the factory.

 

The Zone, Checkers, O'reily, Pepboys, NAPA. all the auto places have them for about $15 a side. Look on Help rack.

 

I could use a set... what's the link? thanks

 

Thanks for all the info.

I didn't realize they could be found so easily.

 

Charlie....

Check out: http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/de/0033.asp

 

Dr, thanks for another option.

 

You know, that gets me to thinking, I wonder if the old style Chebbie steel link style could be made to work?

You could fold the tailgate in two and they would never let loose........

 

I picked up two at Auto Zone today. $17 and change out the door for the pair. They don't look quite as HD as the factroy ones, but they were easy to get and the price was right.

 

I just replaced mine again also.

Looked at the Chevy links at the Jyard, too short. I found a set of links for a mid 80's Ford that might just work, I may go back this weeekend and get a pair to see if I can make them work.

 

Great thread! Crobtex - Any tailgate damage?

Did not realize tailgate cables could give out! I've been loading 1800 lb pallets and 55g oil drums on mine for 5 yrs... not to mention standing on the tailgate all the time (265 lbs).

Having just repaired and painted my tailgate, I better inspect the cables! Where do they fail?

Thanks guys! DTR does it again

RJ

 

Mine broke right in the middle where they bend.

Also, I have lost both of the rubber thingies that go where the bottom of the tailgate connects to the truck. AZ don't have them, so I figure they are a dealer item. I'll go by today and see.

No damage......I still have the plastic molding on the tailgate.