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How to Replace Tailgate Cables 1988-99 GMC Sierra K1500
Created on:
Tools used
Socket Extensions
Flat Blade Screwdriver
T40 Bit
Ratchet
1. Removing the Tail Gate Cables
Open the tailgate
Lift the tailgate slightly
Slide the cable off the stud on the bed
Remove the T40 Torx bolt that holds the cable to the tailgate
Pull off the cable
2. Installing the Tail Gate Cable
Put the cable into place on the tailgate
Fasten the T40 Torx bolt into the tailgate
Lift the tailgate slightly
Slide the cable onto the stud on the bed
Lock the cable into place
Close the tailgate
Hi, I'm Mike from 1A Auto. We've been selling auto parts for over 30 years. We're dedicated to delivering quality auto parts, expert customer service, fast and free shipping, all backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. Visit us at 1AAuto.com, your trusted source for quality auto parts.
In this video, we're going to be working with our 1996 GMC Sierra K1500. We're going to show you how to remove and replace the tailgate cables, which often rot out or break, making the tailgates hang too low and not support what they're supposed to. If you like this video, please click Subscribe. We have a ton more information on this truck, as well as many other makes and models. If you need these parts for your vehicle, you can follow the link down in the description over to 1AAuto.com. The only items you'll need for this repair are a T40 Torx socket ratchet and extension and maybe a flat head screwdriver.
Open your tailgate. Lift up on your tailgate slightly. Lift up on the little metal safety here so you can slide the cable forward into the larger opening and pop it out. Remove the T40 Torx for the cable.
Here we have our old tailgate cable that we removed from our truck and our new part from 1AAuto.com. As you can see these parts are exactly the same. We have the same length and the same cable ends. Our new one actually comes with this nice little plastic insulator to help keep the rust and corrosion off of there. These tailgate cables tend to fray and get rusted and eventually break. Or these little safeties break and fall off, meaning that sometimes you'll go to open your tailgate, it will come up, fall loose, your tailgate will open too far, or even worse, drop on you. Fortunately, it only takes one bolt and a few minutes to replace these. You can get a nice new pair of tailgate cables from 1AAuto.com that are going to go in direct fit, just like the original equipment, get your tailgate opening safely and securely, and fix you up right.
Install the T40 Torx bolt at the bottom of the cable. Make sure the hook at the top is facing the correct direction so the tab faces in toward the middle of the truck and will lock back over the stud. This bolt is shouldered so it's going to bottom out before it's completely clamped, so this still has room to move around. Lift up on your tailgate, slide the larger part of the cable over the tab and then lock it into place. If you're replacing these parts as a pair repeat these steps on the opposite side.
Thanks for watching. Visit us at 1AAuto.com for quality auto parts, fast and free shipping, and the best customer service in the industry.
BDA38470
In Stock
Product Reviews
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4.94/ 5.018
18 reviews
5 Stars
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tail gate cables
iris
May 2, 2017
better than the ones that came on it, strong and made well i do recommend to all who needs them
Spot on
T
November 7, 2017
Just want i needed at a fair price. Shipping was very fast.
Plan to order additional items
Good Job
Brian
November 25, 2017
Shipped quickly. Installed quickly. Good match for the truck. Better price than local store.
Good quality
B
March 15, 2018
Havent had long but so far very good. One size and fit
Great company!
Dustin
September 8, 2018
Prompt service, great product, good price, thanks!!!
Good Company
T
February 3, 2019
Had my 98 chevy truck since new and the tailgate straps finally broke. Hard to find item. A1 had them in stock and they were a perfect fit. The price was more than fair. I will do business with A1 again. Order was delivered promptly.
Could not ask for more
J
September 8, 2019
contact with rep to verify item ordered was the one needed was very much appreciated. Everything went as stated.
Great Replacement
K
July 15, 2020
Super simple replacement. Fit great and my tailgate is secured once again. Installed these on my 1995 Z71 SWB and these cables matched perfectly. Definitely recommend to these to replace your Broken or frayed tailgate cables.
Slipped right on
bradley
January 23, 2021
Not much to say here. Perfect fit and easy installation.
Good,Stuff
Jeff
March 15, 2021
I like the extra rubber on both ends helps protect better good setup
Easy installation
Maryjane
April 1, 2021
Easy to replace, as good of quality as original.
tailgate cables
rpete38
April 11, 2021
Been hanging on one cable too long. yhanks for your fast service and quality produces.
Gregory
October 27, 2021
Perfect fit like the original
Correct length
Daniel
April 30, 2022
Correct length for my 1998 Chevy truck. Just have a t-40 torx bit/socket handy.
Very good part, works well
Darrell
July 5, 2022
Very good but not a perfect replacement. The retaining spring on the top fitment does not fall behind the retaining lug like the OEM part. The top fitment may be slipped off the lug easily.
Nice
Michael
March 3, 2023
Worked well
David
August 6, 2024
Looks better than the crap that was on there, great replacement.
Replaced Worn Tailgate Cables
Timothy
December 4, 2024
Perfect Fit. Look great and seem durable. Would recommend
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