2nd gen tailgate cable

[MrPaco]

I need new cables as the original ones are not in great shape. I ordered the cables that are supposedly specific for this '87 truck from RockAuto, but they are the wrong size. They are 1" too long, and when installed the tailgate slopes down at a noticeable angle.
The original cable is 18 1/4"
2219622197

The part on RockAuto is Needa 38523, which is available in other sites as well and matched to this truck, is the wrong size.

Amazon has one that is part number 209185DPER
https://www.amazon.com/CPP-Tailgate-Cable-Mitsubishi-Mighty/dp/B06XY7WW3J

Ebay has a few, this one with no part number (the review says it's too long... so this is probably not right)
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tailgate-Cables-Pair-Set-of-2-for-Dodge-Ram-50-Plymouth-Mitsubishi/131914209141?_trkparms=aid%3D555018%26algo%3DPL.SI M%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D20131003132420%26meid%3Deb74c65 2f20f4d48bab4bc1eff95fced%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3% 26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D392125942993%26itm%3 D131914209141&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851
and this one, part number 58179HZ, with no measurements..
https://www.ebay.com/itm/For-1983-1993-Dodge-Ram-50-Tailgate-Support-Cable-Dorman-58179HZ-1987-1988-1989/392125942993?fits=Model%3ARam+50%7CMake%3ADodge&epid=13023821668&hash=item5b4c870cd1:g:4cUAAOSw8fJbn9mE


Does anyone know where I can find the correctly sized cables? (other than a pick and pull, as I have no access to any)

Thanks

[tortron]

Mine has a 16" steel hinge. The others I'm finding for an L200 also have 16" cables

[claych]

MrPaco,
DORMAN HELP # 38526 , I think they are $13 & change each...

[MrPaco]

Mine has a 16" steel hinge. The others I'm finding for an L200 also have 16" cables

Steel hinges would be cool, but I think there might a size difference between 1st and 2nd gen

[MrPaco]

Do you remember where you got them?
all I can find with that part number (although it has the letter H in front o fit), is this hidraulic hose
https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-H38526-Hydraulic-Brake-Hose/dp/B001PYF9CY

The part I got form RockAuto was Needa 38523, and I also found it listed as Dorman 38523 elsewhere. I'm guessing they are the same, but sold by two different companies

[StarquestMan]

The factory part number is MB437912 and it looks like it might also be MB115479 probably for a later version or something but it looks like some may be available. here is one that looks a little closer but maybe still too long https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cable-Only-For-Tailgate-Fits-87-96-Mighty-Max-79-93-D50-79-82-Arrow-16618-/233110429250?oid=232918544613

[MrPaco]

The factory part number is MB437912 and it looks like it might also be MB115479 probably for a later version or something but it looks like some may be available. here is one that looks a little closer but maybe still too long https://www.ebay.com/itm/Cable-Only-For-Tailgate-Fits-87-96-Mighty-Max-79-93-D50-79-82-Arrow-16618-/233110429250?oid=232918544613

That looks a lot better, thanks!

[MrPaco]

Ordered the last pair of these, we'll see!
https://www.ebay.com/itm/371136207437

By the way, RockAuto was very cool about this. They couldn't accept a return on the part because I "installed" it, even though it was just a cable that I put on a bolt. So they can't take the cables back, but they are refunding the full amount. Great customer service.

If anyone likes a sloping tailgate and needs oversize cables, let me know. You can have these!

[tortron]

I have a 2nd gen tray

[MrPaco]

Oh, interesting. I'll take a look tomorrow, but I'm pretty sure that 16" would be too short on mine

[royster]

Jumping in here a bit late, but...Advance Auto has those as a standard-issue replacement part. They worked for my '90.

[StarquestMan]

Jumping in here a bit late, but...Advance Auto has those as a standard-issue replacement part. They worked for my '90.

Interesting, what ones are you referring too? i actually might need a set for my 87 eventually when i repaint it, mine are kinda thrashed.

[royster]

Just take one of the old ones in. A good parts person can locate the one you need. They keep them in-store.

[MrPaco]

Roy, the one you found was it the exact size? The one that Advance recommends for this truck on their website is the same one that RockAuto sent me (Needa 38523). I found that the other ones they carry are either too short or too long, although some are lot closer than the Needa.
If the one coming from ebay doesn't work out I'll give one of the ones from Advanced a shot, probably one that is slightly shorter than the original so at least the gate wont slop down.
thanks

[MrPaco]

I just installed these, and they are the correct fit:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/371136207437

Interestingly enough, the part number on this one is the exact number than on the one I installed earlier that was too long. The difference is the manufacturer, the first one was Needa 38523, and the second one Dorman 38523. No wonder there's confusion...
RockAuto sells the incorrect one (Needa), and as Roy pointed out, you can get the correct one form Autozone.
https://www.autozone.com/collision-body-parts-and-hardware/tailgate-cable/dorman-tailgate-cable/415909_53700_0

Here's the packaging on both, with the same part number... and also the different cables next to each other, the one on top is the Needa, the middle one the original, and the bottom one the Dorman.
So anyone looking to replace their cables on a 2nd gen, you want the Dorman 38523
2227422275

[Chargerx3]

Wonder if Needa just has horrible quality control.

[MrPaco]

Wonder if Needa just has horrible quality control.

Very possible. The part number is not printed or stamped on the cable, maybe they just put the wrong cables with the wrong labels.