2002 Ranger tailgate cable removal

Some one tried to steal my tailgate and cut the cables. I have the replacement cables. When I turn the star nut on the tailgate that holds the old cable the star bolt won' t come all the way out for removal of the cable. The nut will keep turning.I've removed the inspection cover area that give you access to look inside the tailgate and I only see a square nut attached to a bracket on the backside. This has got to be simple. Any ideas? Thanks