89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

Hello: several web sites, including Amazon, indicated to me that this type of door jamb switch (attached) is the correct one for my 89 burb.

I'm pretty much positive this is incorrect. When I installed it and carefully began to close the door, I saw that it is not correct. At least I believe it is incorrect. The spring/ plunger thing does not travel far enough. In other words, if I were to slam the door on it, I'm pretty sure it would simply punch through the inner edge metal of the door frame. It looks to me like the plunger/spring thing should be able to move/compress farther, such that when the door closes it would be nearly flush with the silver nut portion of the switch mechanism. The black tubing doesn't really help that problem.

I assume this must be the correct door jamb switch for a later generation(s) of Suburbans.

I would appreciate any advice or input on this subject, especially part numbers for the correct door jamb switches. It's a minor but kind of annoying thing that my lights don't come on when I open the doors. It's especially annoying that something like this that should be so simple becomes complicated when websites/companies that should know better send you the wrong part. Thanks!

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

Parts like that I will cross-reference on Rockauto and Autozone and see if they agree and compare prices. Did you check either of them?

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

RockAuto

Several types of replacements with the AC Delco at the bottom.

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

I will stop by Autoaone and ask. . but in the link that Front Range posted, the metal ones are identical to the ones I bought (see photo). Unless I am a complete blooming idiot (a fact I have proven several times over), it is not correct. . it will not allow the door to shut completely. The plunger thing should be able to depress further. . . maybe I should jus try the plastic type?

But the old ones in my truck more closely resemble the metal type. . . but the plunger travels all the way down/flush, so that the door can close all the way.

This is car restoration, isn't it? The dumbest/simplest **** ends up taking hours and multiple trips to the parts store. . .

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

Can you post a picture of your old one?

These old trucks take patience. I spent a week recently chasing a part throttle downshift glitch, pain in the a$$ figuring that one out. There have been several times I felt like selling my trucks off and just buying a new vehicle. It can be frustrating.

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

I think the generic one you have is longer than the factory one. I bought one and made it work but if I recall correctly, it sticks out a little bit more.

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

Sorry it took so long-

Afternarket is on top, OEM one is below. You can see how the afternarket one is too long...

http://imgur.com/gAgAxBh
http://imgur.com/sLMmMld

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

This will indeed work in your door jamb. It is designed to self adjust to the proper length when you close the door.
If you look closely at the switch, you will see a sleeve that runs thru the nut. When you close the door the door will contact the button of the switch which will bottom out against the sleeve and will push the sleeve in until the door is completely closed.
Since it is a very tight fit inside the nut, once it's set it shouldn't move again.

Re: 89 Suburban: correct door jamb switches??
 

See, I never would have known that, I thought it would just punch a hole in the side of my door. I will install and try it. Many thanks for the reply!