adjust doors? Why do I have to slam them shut?

[sweatmachine]

I just got a '78 Heavy Half Longbed this weekend.

Both of the doors on my truck have to be really slammed to shut flush. It seems like the handle side of the doors hangs too low in the jamb, and unless you really slam that mother shut it won't close all the way. Is there something I can adjust or change to make them sit better in the door jambs?

[N2TRUX]

There are several things to look at. The hinge has bushing in it that wear and are probably worn out. Open your door and lift up on it. If it has play in the hinge the bushing need replaced.

They should be replaced with a pin and bushing kit. Very inexpensive kit, but does require a bit of labor to install.

Take a look at your striker post. This is located in the middle of your door jamb. It will have a bushing on it as well. If that is worn replace it and adjust the door once you have replaced the hinge bushings.

That should get you started on your way to doors that close properly.

[sweatmachine]

thanks for the info, where could I purchase such a kit?

[sjarrett71]

Any parts store should have them. I think are in the "HELP" section.

[Mr79C10]

Had the same problem on my 79. Bought new pins and bushings from LMC,
That fixed it right up, no more slam'n

[Jonboy]

The pins and bushings are still available at the dealership as well.

[C-10volvo]

Try cracking the windows a little bit. I know it makes the world of difference when shutting my doors if another is open or the windows are rolled down. Unlike most cars and trucks of today, there are no vents to let the pressure of the door being shut escape.

[sweatmachine]

Originally Posted by C-10volvo

Try cracking the windows a little bit. I know it makes the world of difference when shutting my doors if another is open or the windows are rolled down. Unlike most cars and trucks of today, there are no vents to let the pressure of the door being shut escape.

that has nothing to do with it, but thanks anyway. I think the bushing/pin replacement will be the cure.

[PhilaTruck]

Ken, I do believe there are vents in the doors that can get plugged. If you don't have remote electric windows (like you probably do -- I've seen pix of your truck), you'll be SOL with your windows open in the rain.

ANY auto parts store should have a hinge pin & bushing kit. Use an angle grinder if you have one to remove the old pins.

[sweatmachine]

Originally Posted by Mr79C10

Had the same problem on my 79. Bought new pins and bushings from LMC,
That fixed it right up, no more slam'n

thanks, would that be item #19 on this page?

http://www.lmctruck.com/ICATALOG/CC/full.aspx?Page=17

[hotrodhomi]

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

I just got a '78 Heavy Half Longbed this weekend.

Both of the doors on my truck have to be really slammed to shut flush. It seems like the handle side of the doors hangs too low in the jamb, and unless you really slam that mother shut it won't close all the way. Is there something I can adjust or change to make them sit better in the door jambs?

I agree with replacing the pins but when my saggy doors were hard to shut in my '81, lubed everything up they shut much easier. The difference was night and day.

[sweatmachine]

Originally Posted by PhilaTruck

ANY auto parts store should have a hinge pin & bushing kit. Use an angle grinder if you have one to remove the old pins.

ok cool I'll check it out. I love an excuse to fire up the angle grinder!

[sweatmachine]

I found this on ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/73-86...spagenameZWDVW

I think I'll find one locally, but what's the deal with the "oversized bushings"?

[LONGHAIR]

"Oversize" bushing kits are made for people who have waited waaaay to long to do this. If the bushings are worn through to the steel of the hinge itself, the "original size" bushings will be loose. The oversize kits are made with the intent of drilling out the hinge hole, to make it round again. If it gets that bad, I generally recommend replacement of the entire hinge. They don't cost that much...and it saves a lot of time. Same with the roller on the "wind-check"....If it is worn,(rusted, siezed) replace the whole thing.
Hinges are one of the most over-looked parts of a "lube job".

[chevymotocross]

Another trick that works in place of a new striker post bushing, is electrical tape. Wrap it around where the bushing would be (if it's not there). The electrical tape perfectly fits in bushing section, and allows you to adjust how the door shuts, by adding more or less tape. It also stays on and doesn't peel or fall off.

[sweatmachine]

I guess the driver's side door finally gave up the ghost. I slammed that mother shut about 30 times, lifted up on it from the inside and outside, and fought it for 45 minutes in my driveway and it still wouldn't shut.

I have the hinge/bushing kit in my hand now, I plan to install it tomorrow.


helpful hints?

[Mickey_D]

After having done this job on my little S-10 Blazer, I highly recommend the use of a second person. One to hammer the old pins and bushings out (with liberal useage of a disposable 3/8" socket extension and large drift punches) and the other to help hold the door up.

Some will tell you that using a floor jack and a 2X4 worked fine for them, but all it did was make me want to drive over the stupid thing with the old '81. Got the wife to help hold the door up and the job was done in 5 minutes.

[sweatmachine]

cool, I'll recruit my brother.