Thank You to Mike and everyone else. Looks like that "travel limiter" is what was causing the mess. Removed that, rebolted the cable, tested 3x... Perfection... all that's left is the foam piece/shrink wrap. Now watching the EZ Down install video, it shows them heating the shrink wrap, however my instructions show to use a zip tie. Anyway, I think I may try heating up that wrap and see what happens. I'll keep ya posted.

 

You need to use both the zip ties and shrink wrap. The shrink wrap holds the foam on the cable, while the zip ties keep it from sliding out of position. Also, when I installed mine, I ground thetab off the travel limiter and then replaced it. It no longer acts as a limiter, but keeps the end of the cable from rubbing on the tailgate.