Aligning the doors

[87Skier]

What is the best way to align the door on my 89 suburban? I am planning on replacing the door hinge pins but they are original and have the "ears" on them preventing them from coming out.

Is it easiest to pull the fender or to pull the door and deal with the wiring?

Thanks!

[Ski-me]

I just adjusted my driver's door because it was sagging on one end. I needed to get in there and basically move the bottom hinge back (towards the rear of the truck). This lifted the door just bit so it wouldn't rub on the front fender but also hit the striker better. Huge improvement! So glad I did!

I took all the bolts off of the hinge/door connection and then pulled the door away from the truck a few inches to gain access to the hinge/body connection. Only need to touch the lower one but it does take some time. Also, the door was still connected with the wires so just be a little careful it's got some decent support.

I got lucky though, pulled hinge where I thought it should go. Bolted everything up trying to somewhat align the paint marks where hinge was previously located, and good to go. Door closes much smoother now and doesn't bind.

I don't know if pulling the fender would be easier....haven't tried yet. Sorry.

[swissarmychainsaw]

Below is a video that shows you how to replace the hinges. I include it here because it shows you the whole thing, access points, etc.

On older models I believe you can tap the pins out. Maybe with the 89 you have to grind off "bent over" end of the pin? Angle grinder!

How bad does your door sag? I have found that just replacing the bushings and PINS is not a magic fix. You might need to "realign the door". Which means you have to get access to the mounting bolts (which is kind of a pain).
See video.



https://youtu.be/9Je6I4EVjJo