Tailgate torque rods

[firemedicsafd]

I wish to remove the tailgate torque rods from my k5 to allow for a brake bar and off road bumper. I have the power rear window set-up. Will the cables hold the tailgate by themselves? Has anyone done this and had problems? Thank you!

 

[dhcomp]

I wish to remove the tailgate torque rods from my k5 to allow for a brake bar and off road bumper. I have the power rear window set-up. Will the cables hold the tailgate by themselves? Has anyone done this and had problems? Thank you!

Do you really need this little bit of space for your bumper?

The cables will hold it up, it will just be really heavy to close...

 

[munepit]

I haven't had on in many yrs. Oh sow I so miss that thing. Its a pain in the arse and a heavy sumbich. But, the cables will hold no problem. I have been on that tailgate so many times. And Im at 190lbs. No worries.

 

[imiceman44]

I wish to remove the tailgate torque rods from my k5 to allow for a brake bar and off road bumper. I have the power rear window set-up. Will the cables hold the tailgate by themselves? Has anyone done this and had problems? Thank you!

Those rods are not for holding the tailgate, just to help you close it and open it without dropping hard.
I removed mine when I took the wondow out and the weight wasn't much to deal with, but I have tried some full without those rods.
If you can somehow accomodate them in the desgin of the new bumper I encourage you to.

 

[firemedicsafd]

thanks folks! i wanted to put one of those brake light bars where the torque rods are touching. guess not now!

 

[rcpd34]

While we're on the topic if the torque rods, mine make a loud popping noise each time they open/close. They are tight and lubed. Any ideas?

 

[British Slave]

I would guess it's an issue with the bolts that hold them to the frame. That's the only moving part.

 

[British Slave]

While we're on the topic if the torque rods, mine make a loud popping noise each time they open/close. They are tight and lubed. Any ideas?

More to the story.....I knew I was missing something about torque rods. On the bolts that hold the torque rods to the frame are some plastic bushings similar to the door jam bolts. They simply slide over the bolts and the "hook" of the torque rods glide on the bushings when opening and closing. When I replaced mine, the bushings were unavailable, but a set of Ford door jam bushings will work. The length will have to be cut down, but work just fine.

 

[British Slave]

Pic of the bushings....

 

[herkdriver007]

I cut an old bicycle inner tube and wrapped with a few layers of electrical tape for the same effect