Door Handle Replacement

[Palf70Step]

Well mine (outside driver's door) final gave up on the 96. It's been flimsy since I bought the truck 3 years ago, but it finally gave it's life. It doen't appear to be much to changing the outside door handle, but It has been like a thousand years since I dug into a door that was all electrical. Any pointers from you folks that do this for a living or had to replace your outside handles.

Thanks

[Old Dave]

My son changed his about 6 weeks ago on his 98 (drivers side) that has manual windows and door locks. He said everything went OK and he didn't drop anything in the bottom of the door like he did when he did his 89. The dealer would have had to order it to the tune of $47, so he went to LMC Truck and bought it for $20. They had it in stock so he was able to pick up after he got off work. I believe all the switches unplug from the door panel so you should be able to remove it and lay it aside. I think Jeff learned some new words when he did his 89... Good luck Bill.

[Jonboy]

The door lock is the same power or manual in how it is attached to the door handle. There is a retaining clip that holds the lock cylinder in, and 2 bolts. Take the door panel off, then remove the 2 handle bolts. The handle should move away from the door about an inch or so after the top part of teh linkage clears the hole. Push the lock cylinder retaining tab, so the cylinder will stay attached to the linkage on the truck. remove the door handle to latch rod, and that will get the handle off of the truck. To replace, put the rod on, and get the handle started in the door. Put the lock cylinder in place, and slip the handle where it coes. Put the bolts in and reassemble the trim panel. You do not have to pull the black panel that mounts the window regulator and everything else, even though it looks like it. Pulling that off will not get you closer to the handle, just more stuff to reassemble.

[Palf70Step]

Thanks guys. Yeah I ordered on on line it would have been a bit over 50 locally for one at the dealer, so I hope I have the part and can do it this week end. Just hope the superglue holds a bit longer.

Thanks for the insight Jonboy, I knew changing the handle wasn't bad, but never had to dig into a door where everything was electric stuff. Sounds like I can get it done OK and not mess it up too awful bad.

[yt500pmd]

thanks for the tips.