Tailgate Cables of Uneven Length on a 2025 Ranger Raptor

[Bushmechanic]

I believe I've used the correct forum, here. Let me know if I haven't.

I'm going to triple-explain this, because clearly I failed at the dealership :

To put it as simply as I possibly can, the passenger side tailgate cable is under tension when the tailgate is open, but the driver side cable is not. It'll wiggle loosely about half an inch with the tailgate down. This leads the tailgate to twist when under load.

I don't care about the strut on the passenger side. That's not the issue.

To reiterate: The passenger side cable itself is under tension, meaning either the strut isn't in play, or it's the same length as the cable. In neither event is the strut relevant.

That being the case, either the driver side cable is too long, or the passenger side cable is too short.
The dealership techs seem to think the strut is the issue, which is what they've written down even after checking another Ranger, but I've given up on that conversation before it starts.

I'm going to politely speak with the service manager but, if that doesn't work out within three sentences I'll have to order one to prove my point. I'm not sure if the red/orange cables are Raptor-specific, but I'll take black or silver or whatever if that's all that's on the market.

Mind you, I'm not annoyed with the dealership at this time, I'm only relaying events.

Now, purely for good measure, because I don't see why else I should ask, does anyone else have this issue? Did Ford deliberately design the tailgate to twist, or is one cable simply longer than another on mine? ?

So, there's the longest tailgate cable post you'll probably ever see.

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[stuartmunto]

This has been talked about here many times before and it is normal to have one cable tight and the other a little slack. All rangers I’ve seen including my own (Raptors and non-raptors) are like this

I own a 2023 RR and the company I work for has a fleet of 2023 - 2025 Ranger XLTs

Edit: my theory is that this is by design to allow a little flex when weight is added to the tailgate while down. If you sit on the tailgate at the slack cable end you’ll see it tighten up slightly.

 

[Bushmechanic]

This has been talked about here many times before and it is normal to have one cable tight and the other a little slack. All rangers I’ve seen including my own (Raptors and non-raptors) are like this

I own a 2023 RR and the company I work for has a fleet of 2023 - 2025 Ranger XLTs

Edit: my theory is that this is by design to allow a little flex when weight is added to the tailgate while down. If you sit on the tailgate at the slack cable end you’ll see it tighten up slightly.

I just think Ford has a tolerance problem, and that mine is at the extreme end of that spectrum.

A tailgate is meant to be supported by both cables simultaneously, not just one.

 

[Shadow Black Ranger Rapto]

I have some slack on driver’s side as well. It goes away when I place any weight on the tailgate. I believe this is due to the torsion bar. I suppose this could be tested by unhooking the torsion bar to confirm.

 

[POULINR]

I HAVE A 2024 RR AND MINE HAS THE SAME ISSUE

 

[Bushmechanic]

I have some slack on driver’s side as well. It goes away when I place any weight on the tailgate. I believe this is due to the torsion bar. I suppose this could be tested by unhooking the torsion bar to confirm.

I'm going to measure the cables and have a look at the bar when I get a chance.

If the torsion bar is lifting the driver side a fair bit, there's no fault; only an annoyance.

I'll also check another Ranger today or tomorrow to see if it's the same.

 

[POULINR]

I know this was in a post earlyer this year just got mine and I thought I’d share it with the group. With the tune you get 455 HP in the RR and I think it look good for very little money.

 

[superj]

I know this was in a post earlyer this year just got mine and I thought I’d share it with the group. With the tune you get 455 HP in the RR and I think it look good for very little money.

i think you posted in teh wrong thread

 

[Bushmechanic]

i think you posted in teh wrong thread

Neat decals, though. ?

 

[POULINR]

The more I look at the tailgate cables - I’m thinking the passenger side cable is tighter to protect the strut from getting too stressed. Which to me makes sense. I could be totally wrong.

 

[superj]

Ha! I just noticed my cables are the same. Ha ha ha. How long ago did this start snd i just noticed, ha ha ha

 

[LeeHo]

Does anyone have a problem with the tailgate cable on the passenger side folding out when closed. This is the side with the dampner. The middle of the cable likes to fold out as the gate is closed causing it to end up sicking out of the gap between the tailgate and the body panel. Not a major issue - just a pain in the "A".

 

[purdyd]

Does anyone have a problem with the tailgate cable on the passenger side folding out when closed. This is the side with the dampner. The middle of the cable likes to fold out as the gate is closed causing it to end up sicking out of the gap between the tailgate and the body panel. Not a major issue - just a pain in the "A".

yes it seems the gas damper pushes it into the gap and the gap between the tail gate and the bed is slightly larger on the passenger side

and my driver side cable is 1-1.5 mm longer Not really a big deal

 

[LeeHo]

yes it seems the gas damper pushes it into the gap and the gap between the tail gate and the bed is slightly larger on the passenger side

and my driver side cable is 1-1.5 mm longer Not really a big deal

Mine are even - - still trying to figure out a simple spring like solution that will pull it back when the gate is closed.

 

[Bushmechanic]

I forgot to measure those things, now that I see the thread again.

I haven't had to crawl into the bed or put anything heavy on the tailgate, so it slipped my mind.

I'll see about having a look, soon. If one of those cables isn't longer, I'm the Queen of England.

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