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How to Replace Tailgate Cables 1994-2001 Dodge Ram 1500
How to Replace Tailgate Cables 1994-2002 Dodge RAM 1500
Created on:
Tools used
T40 Socket
Ratchet
Assistant
1. Removing the Tailgate Cable
Pull out the tailgate cable tab
Slide the tailgate cable off the truck bed stud
Remove the T40 Torx bolt that holds the tailgate cable to the tailgate
2. Installing the Tailgate Cable
Slide the tailgate cable onto the truck bed stud
Put the tailgate cable into place on the tailgate
Pull the cable against the T40 bolt as you insert the bolt into the tailgate
Close the tailgate, making sure the cable doesn't pinch
Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.
In this video, we're going to show you how to replace the tailgate cables on this '98 Dodge Ram, same as any '94 to '01. It's pretty easy. The only thing that you'll need, is you'll need a T40 Torx bit and driver.
The tailgate cables are pretty easy. Make sure you either have someone to hold up your tailgate, or that the other side's in good shape. Generally you want to replace these in pairs, but you lift up on the tailgate, pull out on this tab, so it slides over, comes right off. Now you need a T40 Torx bit, and it helps if you have a bit like this that goes on a ratchet handle for a little more torque. Really, the hardest part about this repair is just knowing what size tool you need. That comes off. There you can see the cable is off.
This truck actually has a fairly new cable. Put it back on, and make sure you put it on down here, not up here accidentally, but down on here. Pull it, get it locked into place. Feed it in. As this bolt goes in, it is shouldered, so you want to make sure the cable's all the way to the outside of it, against the head. Then the first few times you use it, just make sure that the cable folds nicely into place and doesn't get pinched.
We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.
Tools used
Flat Blade Screwdriver
T45 Socket
Ratchet
1. Removing the Tailgate Stay Cable
Lift the tab to remove the upper locking stay cable
Raise the tailgate for slack, and use a flat blade screwdriver to lift the tab, if necessary
Remove the T45 bolt to remove the stay cable from the tailgate
2. Installing the Tailgate Stay Cable
Use the locking end to check for correct orientation
Align the looped end with the tailgate and secure it with the T45 bolt
The looped end will be free to rotate when the bolt is tightened
Slide the locking end onto the bolt and pull outward to secure it
Repeat the removal and installation process for the other side
Hey friends, it's Len here at 1A Auto. Today we're going to be working on our 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 and we're going to be replacing the tailgate stay cable. It's a strange name. It is what it is. As always, if you need this or any other part, you can always check us out at 1aauto.com, thanks.
Okay, so one of the first things we need to do if you're replacing this tailgate stay cable, just lift up the tailgate a little bit. You've got your lock right here. You're going to need something as simple as a pocket screwdriver, which I put all the way on the other side for some reason. Just pull up on this little lock and slide that up. We'll bring this down careful because we only have one cable holding this on now.
Now we're going to use a T45. That's a torx bit and it looks like a star. It can go right here. There's our cable. So here we are friends, we've got our cable. There's two ways that this cable can go. One is the right way and one's the wrong way. Just like anything else really, right? If you put it this way, the lock pushes out and this slides in. That's great. You put it the wrong way, this way. Aw. It doesn't work. Okay. Pretty basic. Probably don't even have to tell you that. Easy.
So I'm going to take that back off just because I'm going to start with the lower side. Got our bolt. Just going to go right in here. Just like this. That's nice and snug. The cable can still move around. It's very good. Gently lift up on your tailgate a little bit. Line this up with the hole. Pull it down. There we are. That was super easy.
Thanks for watching. Visit 1aauto.com for quality auto parts shipped to your door, the place for DIY auto repair. And if you enjoyed this video, please click the subscribe button.
BDA38412
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.75/ 5.012
12 reviews
5 Stars
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Dodge Tailgate Cables
H
November 17, 2017
The original cables vinyl coatings were cracked through. The cables then began to rust with one side particularly bad, only a few strands left. These replacement cables fit perfect. Easy to install, about 5-10 minutes. Look like the originals but cost a lot less. I would recommend these cables.
Perfect replacement
DOUG
May 15, 2018
Perfect replacement for old broken cables. Installed in minutes.
Dodge tailgate cable set
James
January 4, 2019
Perfect fit and easy to install. came quickly and were just as described. Theses have a lifetime warranty and cost 1/2 of what the 90 day warranty ones were at the local auto parts store.
Perfect replacement part
B
January 6, 2019
I really needed to replace my cables. This part made it better.
Too short.
P
January 14, 2019
Maybe I'm not doing something right, but these are too short for my 2001 Ram 1500. The tailgate will not open flat with them installed. I plan to return these ASAP. I gave two stars because the cables themselves seem sturdy and well-made, and I'd have had no issues if they fit.
Right on
Gabriel
April 22, 2019
Perfect match/replacement for the OEM tail gate cables. Easy to install and they fit right on.
Tailgate cable set
David
January 6, 2021
exact match for the old cables. Quality reproduction from what I can tell works fine.
CABLE SET
N
January 23, 2021
Thanks for your prompt service. This was exactly what we need to fix our older truck. Your products and some of the videos have been very useful.
I received my order on time and put them on my 1999 dodge ram 1500.The parts fit perfectly.Very happy with order and responc
Daniel
May 28, 2021
I would recommend 1a for all of your part needs.
Tailgate cables
Chalen
September 25, 2021
Perfect fit and fast shipping. Would recommend to others.
Good part
Wendy
May 18, 2023
Great price, well made, and easy to install. They are missing the ears on the part that bolts to the tailgate itself that keep the cables from bending but one way like the factory ones have, but they function properly and cost much less than factory ones.
Worked well
Matthew
July 24, 2023
Worked as advertised
Customer Q&A
what is the length?September 17, 2021
John D
10
Actual Measurements are not listed or available. Our parts are exact replacements for your vehicle's OEM parts. As long as your year, make, and model match up with our listing, these parts will directly fit and function like the originals.
September 17, 2021
Andra M
Customer service
877-844-3393
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