93 S10 Tailgate

[MichaelZ]

Tailgate won't open. Latch on drivers suide doesn't move.
How do I change my tailgate cables?

[hakogen]

use a big screwdriver to push the shackle back, while someone else pulls the tailgate handle... use some wd40 or penetrating spray if you have to.

now to replace the cables - open the tailgate to a 45 degree angle, pull one cable head at a time over the post that it is connected to, repeat on the other side. let the tailgate down slowly, then give a little tug to the tailgate. pull directly parallel with the ground. it should come off no prob... the gate cables are screwed to the gate... go to a junk yard, buy a set and slap em on.

(hell, now that i think about it, you probably don't need to pull the gate off in order to change the cables, but it's good to get a look in the little crease down there... make sure a bunch of shit isnt building up.

[MichaelZ]

Originally Posted by hakogen

use a big screwdriver to push the shackle back, while someone else pulls the tailgate handle... use some wd40 or penetrating spray if you have to.

now to replace the cables - open the tailgate to a 45 degree angle, pull one cable head at a time over the post that it is connected to, repeat on the other side. let the tailgate down slowly, then give a little tug to the tailgate. pull directly parallel with the ground. it should come off no prob... the gate cables are screwed to the gate... go to a junk yard, buy a set and slap em on.

(hell, now that i think about it, you probably don't need to pull the gate off in order to change the cables, but it's good to get a look in the little crease down there... make sure a bunch of shit isnt building up.

Sorry for the incorrectness of my post!

The latch (sliding thing) on the drivers side will move with a screwdriver. It just won't move when you pull up the handle.

[hakogen]

ahh...
take it to the dealer, walk into the shop and demand service... with a machete.

at the very least you can hack somebody up.


seriously though, i have no idea how to fix it... but i know it can be done. these are not mission critical parts mind you - a junkyard would be great.

[dugie6551]

It sounds like the linkage rod from the handle to the latch has come off.

I suggest you remove the tailgate because it is easier to work on laying flat.

Unbolt the handle and there are 2 rods attached to it; if one of these rods is not attached ... bingo ... that is Fix #1. If both rods are attached, then the rod is off at the latch side ... that is Fix #2.

So ...

Fix #1 - Rod off handle: The handle end of the rod will be inside the tailgate. You can either fish it out with a wire coat hanger or turn the tailgate upside down to find the rod. Once you have found the rod, their should be a metal clip on the handle and it snaps into that clip. If there is no clip, you will need to buy one. Take picture of the clip that the other side rod is attached to and go to a automotive parts store (eq. Napa, CarQuest). You will have to use pliers or visegrips to snap the rod into the clip.

Fix #2 - Rod off Latch: You will have to unbolt the latch from the tailgate (2 bolts on the side). When you pull out the latch, the same as the handle, there should be a clip that holds the rod in place. The fix is similar to above. Find the rod, snap it back in place .. or ... go get another clip, then snap it back in place.

When everything is connected back up, bolt the latch and handle back in.

This fix is kinda tricky to do with the tailgate on the truck (been there, done that , got the t-shirt) because of the opening size of the handle and latch. You may need to twist the handle abit to get ot the rods.

Good luck and let us now how you made out !!!

[movin2stereo]

93 with tailgate cables?I thought cables didn't happen till 95.Anyway,go to ebay and get replacement cables.I say ebay cause you can get just the cable kit.GM sells the cables with the latch assembly,cause the cables are pressed on to the latch assembly(which means more money).Alright,take off your side latch with cable,grind or cut off the pressed rivet.You should now have the cable free and a hole in the latch.Take your new cable and stud and snap ring and install it on the latch.Now put it on your gate and your done.

[MichaelZ]

Thanks for the info. I took the gate off on Saturday morning. The rod was off at the handle. Thanks for the "take the gate off" advice. I could never have reattached the rod with the gate on.

Thanks again............
Mike