If the quadrant and pawl teeth are not stripping, the cable simply might have stretched a good bit. If you can swing it, an aftermarket quadrant and FWA, along with a fresh cable would be sweet. That way you have your old cable around if you ever need it (I keep a spare around myself).
I would replace the quad and install a FWA when you can as a means of preventable maintenance - one tow home would cost as much or more than the parts (plus having to buy parts and having downtime on top of it). The plastic quad and pawl will eventually fail.
Good luck.