Tailgate Washer Mod Question (to prevent theft)

So I came across this Tailgate Washer Mod (to prevent tailgate theft) in which you add a washer to each of the tailgate stay assemblies so that the cables couldn't be removed as quickly. It's a pretty decent and easy mod but here's where my question begins.

When you add the washers and tighten to torque specs, the cable doesn't freely move when closing/opening the tailgate. I would imagine unnecessary wear on the parts concerned. I tried to get a washer fitted and custom made to the 'proprietary' T40 screw (the head has a little base that allows the tailgate cable to move freely), but the hardware stores have all failed .

Now, I'm considered either try to find these special 'extenders' so that the tailgate cables can move freely or putting the screw in loosely with some blue Loctite so the cables can move.

I have read that some people tighten the screw all the way and that the cable frees itself. To me, that sounds like wearing it out until it's loose . I don't want my Tacoma to get bad mileage in that sort of way .

Thanks in advance for the advice,
Danny.

 

Danny, I haven't done that mod myself, but remember the thread you found. The bolt is called a shoulder bolt, the shoulder being thick enough to accommodate the eyelet to move freely. The insertion of the mod washer in addition to the eyelet means that the shoulder must be extended by that thickness added. Go back to the hardware store with the shoulder bolt and the washer, get a washer or two washers the outside diameter of the shoulder, and thickness of the large washer.

 

It's funny, I used to remember those simple terms like shoulders on a screw or eyelets but forgot them since I rarely use them. It feels good to remember.

The problem is that I went to the hardware store and had asked if they can grind a washer to the diameter of the shoulder. It was impossible for them to do it. I guess I need to go to a more high end hardware store

 

Go to a machine shop, not a Hardware store.

 

Another option.

 

Here is mine. Using a gate keeper off Amazon with red loctite.

Plan on stripping out the screw head also.

 

Buy a washer with a smaller bolt hole size and drill the center out to fit the cable bolt.

 

My solution; put the tailgate in the basement.

 

There is a cat burglar that hides out in our basement