'03 tailgate cables

Richman · May 26, 2004

I know I will be getting replacement tailgate cables from GM this fall, but I need to remove them from my tailgate now and put them on my new "v-shaped", 5th wheel friendly, tailgate. They slipped off the truck just fine, but in loosening them from the tailgate the bolt loosens up, but when it should just drop off, it just turns and turns. It acts like there is a nut on it inside the tailgate that won't fall off.

I thought I would just buy another pair for the new tailgate, but no one seems to have them in stock, nor can they order them. I went to two GM dealers and three auto parts stores and heard the same story, "due to a poor design, the OLD cables are no longer available and the SS ones are not yet in production".

So, I am left with using the existing cables. Can any one suggest a way to remove them??

2001 HD · May 26, 2004

There is s push nut on the in between the cable flange and the tailgate nut, but this should not keep the cable from separating from the tailgate. It does sound like the "pressed in" nut is spinning and other than removing the tailgate handle and bezel and trying to reach it with a back-up, I have no clue how you are goping to get that thing off. Does it spin it on both sides?

The new cabl;es are available, because I bought some about 6 months ago. I don't have the part number handy, but I'll see if I can dig it up.

RogueOne · May 26, 2004

There is an internal star washer behind the bracket on the lower bolt strap. Use a flat blade screwdriver to apply pressure to the washer and turn the bolt out.

Hope this helps

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http://dsdd.com/vrstrap/

JimWilson · May 26, 2004

Yea, everything he said!

n8huntsman · May 26, 2004

If its finger loose, try pulling hard while you twist. That will apply force and increase the friction between the nut that is spinning and the surface. This friction may be enough to get the bolt out. Also try the screwdriver method listed above.

Richman · May 26, 2004

Thank you all for the advice. I do have one further question regarding the internal nut holding the cable....will it fall off and lodge somewhere inside the tailgate?? I do intend on replacing the cable so do I need to replace the nut onto the bolt? If so, How? Or, is it necessary to use it? Please clarify.

MemphisDoug · May 27, 2004

The nut you are asking about is not inside the tailgate and not even really a nut. It is located between the latch bracket and the tailgate sheet metal. What is does is hold the cable, bolt and latch bracket together as an assembly to make for easier assembly at the plant. It is a very thin retention washer that pushes over the bolt after it goes through the cable and bracket. You don't need it to put a cable back on your tailgate. The bolt will tighten right back up to the nut that is welded into the tailgate sheet metal. If you want to put the retention washer back on, just loosen up the other bolt holding the latch to the tailgate and slide the washer in-between the bracket and tailgate as you insert the bolt.