I will post a picture of the "SLOP" on the right side tailgate strap.

 

Now to solve the problem. Somebody who had the loose cable maeasure them both. If they are the same size then the mounts are in the wrong place and your cables will never be right, I guess you could have a custom made one. I too have some slack in the right cable and not that I am worried about the cosmetics I just dont want to bend anything or damage anything on the pivot point. Another thing. I am pretty sure the cables do take the pressure not the nubs down there. If they do why does the right cable tighten up when I sit onthe tailgate and what would happen if I just took those cables off, I just dont think it would stay in the level position and probably hit the bumper. Is this right?

 

You are right, the cables take the weight... This is why if one breaks, the tailgate will fall and break your foot...

There is a pic on the site of a truck with the perfect length on both sides... I didn't measure my cables, but laying them on top of each other, they do appear to be the same size, it does seem to be something with the mounting which has no adjustments.

 

I don't think it's the cables.


I think it's the tailgate not lying perfectly flat.




when I first noticed this I thought it was the cables too but then the more It thought about it the more I began to think it has something to do with the torsion bar.

 

I have slack on my right cable too. What should I do to get the tailgate to be flat? I don't want the left cable to pop.

 

Take it to your Ford dealership and make them fix it. That’s covered by warranty.

 

Yes, it is covered. However, I have taken mine to the dealer for the right (passenger) side tailgate problem. I had that looked at along with some other issues. They ordered a new cable. It came in, they put it on, and it was worse than the original cable that I got with the truck from the factory.

 

Get after the service manager and give him hell. It’s a pain in the *** to keep taking your truck into the service department for little annoying problems that should be easily fixed the first time. Take it back for services, but this time, make sure you check it, when they say it’s fixed, with the service manager present.

 

Guys:

I have come to the conclusion that the right side mounting hole on the bed itself is drilled in the wrong location. There is no adjustment and the tailgate cables are pretty close to the same length. The tailgate and everything is lined up perfectally.

Anyone AGREE or DISAGREE???

Mine is a 04/27/04 build... I don't see this problem on the newer builds or any left on the lots now!

THEY DID FIX THIS ON THE LINE NOW!!!

 

My build date was 9-03 Kansas City and I don’t have the tailgate problem. Both my cables are exactly the same length too.

 

I know I bought mine the day she hit the lot . My gate opens,closes,gets scratched and does all the things a normal gate does . It even locks . Actually this gate is designed with a new system to make it easier to open and close. So the arm lets say is mounted on the drivers side . Its quite possible that "helper arm" we'll refer to is possibly making the gate off level when it is opened . The extra weight on one side . I'm a mechanic . I work on really only big stuff .CDL type . I'd say that this problem is not a serious one and in the long run I'd hafta say the little plastic peices holding the lower part of the gate on are gonna be the ones to aggravate . Ever try to shut the gate with something is just pertruding enough for the bottom of the gate to hit it when you try to close it. I have and when the whole gate fell straight down and rubbed across my bumper the only thing holding it up was the cables . Anyway A word to the wise just use a little extra caution when loading try not to set heavy stuff on the gate .

 

My truck was built in Norfolk, in April '04, and the tailgate straps don't sit level. Honestly, unless the tailgate falls off the truck while I'm going down the road, I'm not gonna worry about it.

 

I noticed this on my truck right after I picked it up. I guess I missed this thread since most of it was discussed while I was moving. I don't see where it's causing any harm so I'm not worried about it. Truck has been perfect and I'm not taking it in for this.

My truck was built in Norfolk in March 04.

 

Mine was built in Norfolk, August 2004. Bought it last month. The left cable will probably be strong enough. Built Ford Tough!







2004 Red XLT Reg. Cab 5.4L V8 4x2 Chrome Wheels Trailer Tow 3.73 Limited Slip Michelin Tires Sliding Rear Window

 

good gravy. built 8/04 in kc and have slack in the passenger side cable too...