Hey Gang,

I noticed that the cable along the driver side of the tailgate is not tight when the tailgate is dropped. The passenger side is. Is there a way to adjust it, or is this something the dealer has to do?

Thanks !

 

It is because of the torsion bar assist on the tailgate and is designed that way. It will become taught when you put weight on it.

Nothing to fix.

 

X2^ exactly.

 

Oh good !!! I happened to notice it when I was putting some gas cans back there to take to the station for a fill. Glad its supposed to be that way - thanks much.

 

It's been that way on Ford trucks for many years.

 

Good to know, thanks but what does that mean?

 

From my subscription on motorcraftservice.com, specific to the 2011 F150 subscription, but this applies to other years.

ssm 21731 - f-150 - tailgate cable length variation
some 2009-2011 f-150 customers may be concerned if one tailgate support cable appears to have slack with the tailgate lowered. This condition may be present due to normal variations that occur within vehicle production. Slack in the affected support cable will be depleted when weight is applied to the tailgate. Tailgate load capacity is not compromised by this condition. Do not attempt vehicle service for this normal condition.

 

Raising an old thread. If the cable lengths are different does that mean the tailgate is slightly twisted or off-level under load? Asking out of curiosity more than anything as I can't imagine it would remain straight unless one of the mounting points for the shorter cable has some play built-in.