Tailgate Cable Alternative

[hoot]

I wasn't able to reply to the other topic.

I have no idea if these are any good....

Pop n Lock Tailgate Assist.

"designed to cushion the opening of the tailgate of today's heavy truck tailgates. It cushions the opening and allows the tailgate to drop slowly. This allows a "one hand" operation when opening the tailgate. Spring loaded operation."

http://www.truckaddons.com/images02/exterior/popnlock_tailassist.jpg

[Idle_Chatter]

I don't know about that spring assist system, but I think that it's obvious there would be a strong aftermarket for the "retro" steel-plate link system - I know I'd sure like to have a nice set of strong and simple hinged plates to replace the factory cables!

[FirstDiesel]

Before the last lost post episode I had posted a reply to this. :rolleyes:

I did a google search for a dealer and found they were about 130 dollars. I'm not sure I need to spend 130 to let something lower the tailgate for me. I would like the solid bars without the assist for about 40-50 bucks. Anyone found something like that??

If not I guess I'll be doing what one of the other posters suggests. Change the cables every 2 years.

[chevmeister]

Jermck!!!! help! SS gate cables would be nice.

[Hoppy1942]

Jermck....

I would buy a set!

[FirstDiesel]

Me too

[a bear]

Me too
Who is Jermck ?

[FirstDiesel]

http://forum.thedieselpage.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=001257;p=1

[a bear]

That CB bracket sure is nice. Guess I slept through that one.

[a64pilot]

OK,
$130 is kinda high, but on my 97 my father drove it with the right one broken and the tailgate open. Went over a bump, tailgate bounced up about halfway, I think, anyway tailgate came off and was drug a short distance down the asphalt road. Ground off the right outside edge of the tailgate, so maybe $130 ain't that much after all.
This pop n lock thing, does it replace both cables or just the one?

[chevmeister]

if i can get the ends made i found an outlet for ss wire rope

WE WILL BE HAPPY TO FURNISH 3/16" TYPE 304 STAINLESS STEEL WIRE ROPE 7X19 DOMESTIC. 18 INCH LENGTHS IS O.K.
PLEASE ADVISE THE APPLICATION FOR THIS PRODUCT. ALSO WE HAVE A $10.00 MINIMUM.
PRICE PER FOOT IS $1.29
i have to check size but he can supply all sizes.

[TxDoc]

TSC carries SS wire rope, also. Plasma rope is stronger and cannot rust.

[chevmeister]

well if the materials exist then all one has to do is have ends cut and crimp them on. sounds simple if i had the time. could possible be cheaper then oem

[jbplock]

TxDoc,

Have you made some cables with the SS rope from Tractor Supply?

[TxDoc]

http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/txdoc2/lst?.dir=/Extra&.src=ph&.order=&.view=t&.done=http%3a//f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/

These are from my 97 that routinely carried a quad with the rear wheels sitting on the tailgate. They slightly lifted the gate to take the strain off the factory cables. I never had a problem with them, but did end up stripping off the plastic coating. And, would make another set with the stainless.

The 2003 needs a different design for attachment. I am currently using a Louisiana Guard Dog http://www.laguarddog.com to lock and retain the ATV. If a cable were to fail, it would support the quad. I have been using the trailer and have not made a new set. When it gets unde 100 here, that will be a Saturday project. I am still thinking of using the Plasma Rope, instead.

[jbplock]

TxDoc,
Looks good! Is the add-on cable on your 97 always connected or do you just hook it on when you need it.? Looking at my 03 it doesn't look like there would be room enough for two cables to fold into the gap between the tailgate and truck body... It woud be nice if we could find some of the OEM connectors that could be crimped to the SS cable (or plasma rope). BTW, what is plasma rope?

[TxDoc]

I would just hook them on when needed, taking about 3 seconds on each side.

Plasma Rope is sold by http://www.masterpull.com It is a synthetic winch line used by many competeting in winch competitions.

--SUPERLINE is the newest, strongest and the most
advanced synthetic winch cable yet. Its super strong inner
core has been heated and stretched for optimum strength.

--SUPERLINE has a excellent UV resistance and is coated with
Polyurethane for added UV resistance.

--SUPERLINE
No kinks, no curls or wire splinters, floats, minimal weight, torque free,
minimal stretch, minimal snapback if the line brakes, non-rotational,
45% to 65% stronger than same size wire cable, easy to coil and handle.