2 Attachment(s)
Do not unscrew the ball studs.
There is a spring clip per the jpg below that retains the cable to the ball of the stud. You pop off the spring - actually just sort of pry it up a bit; if it springs off, it might be gone for good so take care.
I think that the nut on the inside may be a loose nut and then more problems if you unscrew the ball stud. It is the same bit as the ball studs that retain the hydraulic struts re the upper gate at the top, (at least on the 3). If they ever come loose, you have a real problem as the retaining nut behind is not restrained by anything and just falls to well who knows where but for certain it does not stay up there.
I expect it is the same with the lower tail gate except that you could probably find the nut and put all back together. Also while you are at the rear, check the ball studs on each side at the top - the one of the top right used to self unscrew and come loose.
I do not recall unplugging the wiring and the gold box kind of slides out enough if I recall correctly. I seem to recall thinking how easy it was to get at the stuff, but it helps when the door is open and you are standing upright instead of squatting. If I did unplug the wiring, it was easy.
Yes, duct tape to suture the incision; I probably did more cutting than necessary and yes, the gold box is more to the right,
Cutting in about the middle rectangular depression works and then slitting to the right is about correct as you have to slide the gold box out. Duct tape is cheap and the carpet cover the wound. Just be caution of the wires as they glue themselves to the sticky of the dust seal so poke your finger in to feel ahead of where you are cutting.
Breaking the window does not even open the gates.
Quote:
Originally Posted by
AnD3rew
Can someone describe to me what happens?
Is upper or lower that you can't open?
I ask because I am set up for remote touring and I have a cargo barrier so I can survive if I can open the upper tailgate but not the lower, but I would be in a lot of trouble if I couldn't open the back at all. I would probably have to break a window.
The miserable bit is that breaking the rear upper glass does not cause anything to open. Yes, it will allow you some access to the lower gate carpet to break that out - (what does it matter then), so eventually you can release what is left of the upper gate and then electrically release the lower half, (one hopes).
All the moving parts and electrical is in the lower half.
To answer a previous question, one easy way to get the carpet off assuming the lower end gate is down is to first remove the upper black plastic cap, then the wind up cables and then slide off the black plastic end caps. The carpet is glued to a piece of flexible backing and that is clipped to the metal of the lower end gate. The clips are supposed to pull free and release; for the most part, they do.
The more I think of it, some sort of manual cable release should be considered a necessary part of a cabinet install; as to a cargo barrier, I guess it should be part removable from the front side - kind of important if Fido is back there.
