How To Replace Tailgate Cables Ford 1992-96 F150 F250 F350

Brought to you by 1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet.

Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. I hope this how-to video helps you out, and next time you need parts for your vehicle, think of 1AAuto.com. Thanks.

In this video, we show you how to replace the tailgate cables on this '96 F-150. It's pretty much the same as any '92-'96 F-150, 250, and 350. It's close to the same procedure for almost any truck. You do need a T45 Torx bit and ratchet for this.

If you need to replace one of these tailgate cables, you can see on this one it has a little lock, it's actually already bent up, but should be bent down, so use a small screwdriver or pull it back with your finger. Lift the tailgate up and the top comes out just like that, pretty easily. Okay, so, over here, you want to either have a friend holding it or make sure your other tailgate cables is in good shape. You can see my cables are in pretty good shape, so I'm just going to show you how to take them off and put them back on.

You lift up, remove the upper end of the cable, then you need a T45 Torx bit and a ratchet, and it's pretty easy. Just remove this bolt. Okay, I'm going to fast-forward as I remove that bolt. The bolt actually has a little lock washer that kind of holds it in. So, when you get to a certain point, you can take the tailgate cable, and pull it diagonally to use as a bit of a lever to push out on the head of the bolt while turning the bolt counterclockwise. That will help it come out.

Okay, what we have here is a shouldered bolt. See, you want to make sure when you put the cable back together you don't accidentally tighten it up like this with the shoulder pressing against the tailgate cable. You want to make sure that the bolt goes in nice and flush like that so that the cable still has nice freedom of movement.

Okay, put them back on, and you just have to lock the top one first. That gives you your best idea of how this needs to be. These two ears go against the latch. They make sure that the cable bends properly when you shut the tailgate. And I'm going to take this and lift up my tailgate just a little bit and push that bolt in. Okay, again, make sure the cable is nice and free, and tighten the bolt right up.

We hope this video helps you out. Brought to you by www.1AAuto.com, your source for quality replacement parts and the best service on the Internet. Please feel free to call us toll-free, 888-844-3393. We're the company that's here for you on the Internet and in person.