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How to Replace Tailgate Cables 1994-2002 Dodge RAM 1500

Created on: 2019-09-21

Check out this video to learn how to replace the tailgate stay cables on your 94-02 Dodge Ram 1500. 1A Auto shows you it's easy to DIY and save money!

  1. step 1 :Removing the Tailgate Stay Cable
    • Lift the tab to remove the upper locking stay cable
    • Raise the tailgate for slack, and use a flat blade screwdriver to lift the tab, if necessary
    • Remove the T45 bolt to remove the stay cable from the tailgate
  2. step 2 :Installing the Tailgate Stay Cable
    • Use the locking end to check for correct orientation
    • Align the looped end with the tailgate and secure it with the T45 bolt
    • The looped end will be free to rotate when the bolt is tightened
    • Slide the locking end onto the bolt and pull outward to secure it
    • Repeat the removal and installation process for the other side

Tools needed

  • Flat Blade Screwdriver

    T45 Socket

    Ratchet

Hey friends, it's Len here at 1A Auto. Today we're going to be working on our 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 and we're going to be replacing the tailgate stay cable. It's a strange name. It is what it is. As always, if you need this or any other part, you can always check us out at 1aauto.com, thanks.

Okay, so one of the first things we need to do if you're replacing this tailgate stay cable, just lift up the tailgate a little bit. You've got your lock right here. You're going to need something as simple as a pocket screwdriver, which I put all the way on the other side for some reason. Just pull up on this little lock and slide that up. We'll bring this down careful because we only have one cable holding this on now.

Now we're going to use a T45. That's a torx bit and it looks like a star. It can go right here. There's our cable. So here we are friends, we've got our cable. There's two ways that this cable can go. One is the right way and one's the wrong way. Just like anything else really, right? If you put it this way, the lock pushes out and this slides in. That's great. You put it the wrong way, this way. Aw. It doesn't work. Okay. Pretty basic. Probably don't even have to tell you that. Easy.

So I'm going to take that back off just because I'm going to start with the lower side. Got our bolt. Just going to go right in here. Just like this. That's nice and snug. The cable can still move around. It's very good. Gently lift up on your tailgate a little bit. Line this up with the hole. Pull it down. There we are. That was super easy.

Thanks for watching. Visit 1aauto.com for quality auto parts shipped to your door, the place for DIY auto repair. And if you enjoyed this video, please click the subscribe button.

1994 - 2002  Dodge  Ram 3500 Truck
1994 - 2002  Dodge  Ram 2500 Truck
1994 - 2001  Dodge  Ram 1500 Truck

Shop Products


1994-02 Dodge Ram 18-1/8in Tailgate Cable Pair

Dodge Ram 1500 2500 3500 2 Piece Tailgate Cable Set TRQ BDA38412

Part Details:

  • 2 Piece
  • (2) Tailgate Cables
$29.95
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