tailgate cable strap
5 Year Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 563
Likes: 70
From: TX
I own a 2016 and the loose cable really bugged me.
My solution: Remove / disassemble the cable that is TIGHT (left side on mine), using a die grinder with a carbide bit, elongate the eyelet holes at each end of the cable, (a little bit at a time). You can also grind down the shoulder of the cable-to-tailgate mounting bolt. I chucked the bolt in a drill for a makeshift lathe to get a nice machined finish. Reassemble and verify.
I did this to mine and my dad's
Tools: T45 torx bit, ratchet, side cutters, die grinder, drill, cutting wheel
My solution: Remove / disassemble the cable that is TIGHT (left side on mine), using a die grinder with a carbide bit, elongate the eyelet holes at each end of the cable, (a little bit at a time). You can also grind down the shoulder of the cable-to-tailgate mounting bolt. I chucked the bolt in a drill for a makeshift lathe to get a nice machined finish. Reassemble and verify.
I did this to mine and my dad's
Tools: T45 torx bit, ratchet, side cutters, die grinder, drill, cutting wheel
Before I did that, I bought a brand new one (OEM) and they are exactly similar in length, so it's was useless.
Last edited by FX4*; Feb 27, 2019 at 12:05 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
O.K. mbullock, There may be a torsion bar inside the tailgate but neither my dad's or mine are being used. There is no double-D tab in the left side hinge to engage the bar. There is only a round socket. Maybe Ford put the unique hinge only for the step option?
Not sure. Should be on the right side anyway. But I know I've dealt with many that broke on tailgates with no step back when I worked at Ford. Here when it gets cold, you can hear it as you shut the gate. It will be a loud pop sound. Wonder why it would be on the window sticker as "tailgate with lift assist" if Ford didn't intend on it working on trucks with no step? You ever lifted a gate with the torsion bar broken? Even without the step they are heavy
Last edited by 21RRF150; Feb 27, 2019 at 10:25 PM.
5 Year Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 60
Likes: 18
Originally Posted by PerryB
They're ALL that way due to the torsion spring in the tailgate. The cables are symmetrical, the tailgate is slightly twisted because of the spring. Put a little weight on the gate and it flattens out.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,755
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From: Kingston, Ontario (Canada)
5 Year Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 369
From: Wisconsin
The torsion bar assist is to raise the gate. Not lower. Hence why it's called "lift assist." You are talking about the damper
Last edited by 21RRF150; Feb 27, 2019 at 10:01 PM.
5 Year Member
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 878
From: Kingston, Ontario (Canada)