Hello -

My new 2012 F350 6.7L CC LB DRW 4x4 Built 3-10-12 has a problem that Ford stated they will not repair. The right side tailgate support cable is slacked. I have checked this on a number of other trucks on the dealer lot. All of the trucks seem to have the right side slack in the tailgate cable.

This is a propblem. With my 1999 F350 there was no slack in the cable. When I put a load on the tailgate BOTH cables took the load. With this new truck the left side is always taught taking the load until the tailgate deforms and the then the right side assumes the weight as well.

The dealer ordered in a new right tailgate cable, which I watched being installed. The cable was exactly the same length as the old right side cable and the exact same length as the left side cable. I've estimated that the cable is 3/8"-1/2" too long on the right side by lining up to the mounting points.

This leads me to believe these three things happend -
1. Ford's fixture for welding the truck box is skewed slightly
2. The tailgate welding fixture is also skewed somehow
3. The tailgate/box design with cable mounting points are in different locations

I thought about adjusting the tailgate hinge to take up the slacked cable, but that will change the gaps on the sides of the tailgate. And the height of the tailgate to the bed will be different. Alignment is perfect from the factory.

If the tailgate deforms from uneven loading, it will put a stress on the tailgate itself, the hinges and the left cable. I'm guessing that enough metal fatigue over time will compromise the integrity of the tailgate. (Just like the front door cracks on the 1997-on F150s, that was metal fatigue)

Can I impose upon this group to look at your truck and check the tension of your tailgate cables?

I'd like to see if this is a manufacturing issue with a date range of truck production
- Or -
The is indemic with all new 2011-on SD trucks coming out of Kentucky Truck Plant.

I've been on this list since 1998 when I was purchasing my 1999 Super Duty. This is a valuable forum to be sure.

Thanks,
Scott.

 

My truck has it and so did my prior truck which was a 2005 Nissan Titan.

 

I've seen two 2008 and two 2011 trucks with the same condition. I always assumed it was on purpose for some odd reason......

 

Ford added torsion rod in the hinge for the Super Dutys at some piont to act as a lift assist. The "assist" causes it to pick up on the right hinge and push down on the left. The free space in the hinges causes said cable to go slack. I don't belive its the tailgate twisting.