98 S10 , Both Tailgate cables broke >>bought new ones from Nappa, the original cables on tailgate are held on by a large hardend rivet , it seems it needs ( rivet )needs to be cut off , with a dremmel tool cut off wheel or drilled out...before I screw up & anywon got experience removing cable from taigate ..............the replacement cable came with new rivet thats held on by a clip , the original is permently attached ie >no clip ....Thanks

 

it sucks,dude...

remove the tailgate handle,and unbolt the side latches...slide latch,rod,and cable out as a unit...put it in a vise to drill out the rivet

 

On mine I wasn't able to just replace the cable, it is conected to the mechanism that has the latch on each side, I thought it was bull **** that I had to replace the whole mechanism just because the strap was broke, they were each about $40 for the gm dealer. I would check with the dealer because about a month after I bought them I got a recall notice in the mail and was reimbursed for them. But to in stall them you need to take the screw out that holds the handle in place, I is on the front side of the tailgate, mine was under the bed liner. After you get the screw out you will be able to unhook the rod that is connected to the tailgate handle then you can pull out the mechanism on the end of the tailgate that has the strap and replace it.

 

Argon, Initially I used a center punch & 1/8 " ( sharp) drill ..took about 3 minutes to drill rivet >> did not remove tailgate ...then drilled with a lagrer drill 3/8" & competly drilled outt ...... then installed replacement cables with those bought from NAPPA & new replacement rivit ( for a better word)that was supplied with cables .total job 35 minutes............finished & functional.