Tailgate Cable

rrsob · August 5, 2002

Went to Autozone (Deadzone) for a tailgate cable.

15 bucks, but it was approx. 1 inch short. All I got was "thats what the computer calls for"

Went to the local store 10 bucks. Same problem.

Called the dealer today, and will probably go there. 15 bucks.

Does anyone know if the 99 new body style cables, (which I have) and the 99 "classic" are different sizes ? Part numbers?

Thanks for your help. Rich

gmcjoe · August 5, 2002

Tell them you have a 2000 or 2001 and see if it is the same PN

rrsob · August 5, 2002

Good idea Joe. The Dealer is my next stop. Thanks for the advice.

kaspar139 · August 5, 2002

I had a cable on my truck burst on me about a month ago. I just called my dealer, and for a 2001 (didn't ask for the PN#) the cable is $19.99 plus tax for the fleetside bed. Going to get it this afternoon.

kaspar139 · August 6, 2002

Got my cable last nite, and installed it. Now, let me tell you that the cable end that connects to the bed (not the tailgate) is easy enough. The end that connected to the tailgate had a weird washer on it that made removing it very difficult. I can't really describe it. It was a locking washer of sorts, but none that I have EVER seen before. I had to get wire cutters and bust this thing off. I sure hope I didn't need it!

Anyway, its all good now, and it was a relatively easy thing to do (minus that DAMN washer)! All you do un bolt one, and bolt the new one back on I love those kind of fixes...

badpewterz · August 7, 2002

yes 99 old style and 99 new style are different, might have to go threw the dealer not sure though

rrsob · August 7, 2002

I know what you mean Frank. That washer is kind of a b#$ch.

When I put the bolt back in with no cable I slipped it in while pushing the bolt through.

I tried asking for a 2001 cable and the local parts guy said it was not listed. Maybe it's now a dealer only item.

When I called the dealer yesterday, he did ask if it was the new or old body style. But after telling me he had one, I asked if the new and old were different he said "could be." :but: :but:

Anyway I'm off to the dealer after work today.

Of course if I did that first, I would have had the cable three days ago. :blush: :blush:

Thanks for the advice guys.

At least I'v learned something new about my truck.

rrsob · August 12, 2002

Yippie!! I finally got my cable. When I went to the dealer he said my truck used the hinge/strap type (like the ones on my '89 Fleetside). I said no the new style '99's have the cable.Then after asking me three times, "are you sure you have a Fleetside?"

He said "hmm. let me go check"

Five minutes later he say's the manuals on the new trucks are wrong (computer manual). He said they show and list the wrong part. :ehh: :ehh:

I don't know if they are all wrong or just this dealer. But I hope I can save someone the trouble I had to go through.

If you have a new style '99 or later truck and need a tailgate cable and want to avoid dumbdealer syndrome, just order part #1663-7944 :sideways: