Tailgate cables to steel straps?

[K85 Octane]

Has anyone tried using the pickup steel elbow straps on their cable equipped tailgate? I'm sure it's not bolt up and go, but a couple holes may need to be drilled.

Just wondering if I can do away with the cables and go with straps. I need to replace the little springs that hold the cables close to the tailgate when closing it. For the price of those stupid springs (5 bucks each plus shipping) I could go maybe a better route.

thanks

 

[The Pumpkinator]

I was thinking the exact same thing, I envy the ones on my friend's MJ/Comanche, maybe make something custom out of 1/8" flat bar steel or somethin', then you can use the plug for the rear power window and have a 'quick disconnect' heavy ass tailgate

 

[496truck]

What's the big deal with the springs? I put replacement cables on without them and no problems. They just self fold in between the gate and quarter when I close the gate.

 

[K85 Octane]

for whatever reason, mine don't and if I forget about them, they get wedged when I close the tailgate. I haven't tried anything in the way of tweaking the ends etc. Might work but currently they don't tuck in.

 

[wazzabie]

my cables rusted where they bend.