Uneven tailgate cables

[SactoJohn]

I just had a thought while playing with my tailgate (I know, I'll go blind )

The slack in the one side allows you to detach that cable without lifting the tail gate, as the side with no slack holds holds it in place. So my point is it may be engineered that way, because of the multi function tail gate.

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[Cranium]

Thanks for the replies everyone.

 

[Bmckenz]

Glad to see a healthy level of smartassery around here...

Just wondering, when your tailgate is down, is it level with the bed floor? Mine slopes downwards, trying to see if my cables are way too long, or if that’s by design

 

[SgtLip]

Houston, we have a problem.
You've heard of Watergate? We have Tailgate, the uneven and unlevel tally wager.
Hahahaha.

 

[LongshotXL]

My cables are also uneven and the tailgate slopes down. If I sit on the tailgate they both have tension and the gate does not touch the bumper so I guess it is ok.

 

[jtpc2021]

put 500 lbs (which i think is max of tailgate in down position) on tailgate and the slack should disappear.

 

[dddinstructor]

I just dropped off my truck to check this tailgate issue. Apparently, there is slack showing on the support cable on the left side. While the tailgate is closed, everything looks square and fit. However, upon measuring the primary cable posts to the hinge, it seems like the left side is spaced farther than the right side. So you'd think the left side would be tighter and the right side slacked. Also, the tailgate is not level to the bed of the truck. (See attached photos)

I don't believe it was "designed" this way since it would not make sense to unequally load the two cables, especially when placing a working load on it. I am hoping this is not a manufacturing issue. I've owned (and seen) many trucks in the past and never saw a slack in the tailgate cables.

Everyone that took delivery of a Ford Maverick should check this.

 

[dddinstructor]

What, by wondering whether anyone had measured a few parts to isolate the issue? Oops, did it again. You must have a pretty bad rash by now!

Check my recent post on this issue. I took a few dimensions.

 

[Big_T]

I just dropped off my truck to check this tailgate issue. Apparently, there is slack showing on the support cable on the left side. While the tailgate is closed, everything looks square and fit. However, upon measuring the primary cable posts to the hinge, it seems like the left side is spaced farther than the right side. So you'd think the left side would be tighter and the right side slacked. Also, the tailgate is not level to the bed of the truck. (See attached photos)

I don't believe it was "designed" this way since it would not make sense to unequally load the two cables, especially when placing a working load on it. I am hoping this is not a manufacturing issue. I've owned (and seen) many trucks in the past and never saw a slack in the tailgate cables.

Everyone that took delivery of a Ford Maverick should check this.

It will certainly be interesting to see what your dealer says about this.
@Cranium have you taken your Maverick in for this yet?

 

[projectvortex]

Guess they made it that way to force everyone to install that pneumatic tailgate dampener on the left side. Ha!

 

[Cranium]

It will certainly be interesting to see what your dealer says about this.
@Cranium have you taken your Maverick in for this yet?

I stopped by there briefly, showed them, and they told me to bring it up when I come in for my first service. I'm barely past 500 miles, so it might be a while.

 

[dddinstructor]

It will certainly be interesting to see what your dealer says about this.
@Cranium have you taken your Maverick in for this yet?

Just got a call from my local Ford Service Department and they confirmed with Ford Technical Support that it is normal. They checked it with three other Mavericks on site. I'm satisfied with that until such time that this becomes an issue with the function of the truck.

I've been screenshotting some photos from the web and seems like it's normal. See attached photos.

 

[Big_T]

Just got a call from my local Ford Service Department and they confirmed with Ford Technical Support that it is normal. They checked it with three other Mavericks on site. I'm satisfied with that until such time that this becomes an issue with the function of the truck.

I've been screenshotting some photos from the web and seems like it's normal. See attached photos.

Thanks for the update. I was afraid they would say something like that. Rather loose manufacturing tolerances are labeled as "normal".

 

[THHN12]

Picked up the XLT AWD at Gwinnett Place Ford (Atlanta metro) last week. Both tailgate straps are too long. The rear of tailgate is one 1 1/4" too low in the flat position. The service dept ordered two straps. This is the fourth one this dealer has seen.

 

[Braderick]

Maybe a vendor will pop up with equal length pre tensioned cables as an upgrade.

I’ve seen a few atv and motorcycle photos on here where loading up the beasts have stretched factory cables to the point of having unlevel tailgates.

I’m not sure, but suspect, the cable strength is responsible for the tailgate low tailgate weight rating. Cable quality and source materials used, too.

my grandad had the old scissor tailgate supports…that was fun.

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