Need a little help with door and door lock / latch

[JOJABOY]

First thing first. Can anyone tell me where I can get the rod that goes from the door latch up through the hole in the top of the door interior for the lock knob? I have the clip and a broken knob. Was hoping to find one online versus digging through the local pick-a-part.

[JOJABOY]

Part II

When I close my door...the door latch doesn't seem to cycle far enough and my door lock won't move up to lock the door. If I cycle the latch with my finger, it works just fine. Only hangs up when closing the door. Wandering if door strike isn't pushing latch far enough for latch to allow lock to flip up.

Could this be me needing to adjust my door strike (or hinges) to allow door strike to push door latch further into its cycle for lock to function properly???

[LockDoc]

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Adjusting the strike might buy you some time on it. Sounds like it might be worn. Before you do any adjusting mark around the strike with a fine felt tip pen so you can tell how far you have moved it. I wouldn't go more than 1/16" at a time. Also make sure it doesn't move up or down any.

As far as the lock rod Pm me your address and I will send you one.

LockDoc

[JOJABOY]

Thanks on the rod. In the garage right now. I just tried adjusting the strike outward. Still same symptoms on lock. I'm starting to think that it is the latch mechanism itself. As I push it with my finger it rolls and cycles from one notch to the next. It seems as if it doesn't move far enough to allow the lock piece to move upwards into the notch. I was hoping that it was a matter of the strike not pushing the latch mechanism far enough for the lock piece to move up. Hmmmmm.......

[LockDoc]

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It's been a while since I have had one apart but it seems like there is a small spring in there that breaks and can cause that too.

LockDoc

[bobs409]

I'd check it for wear first. Open door and try to move (wiggle) the wheel or whatever it's called in the latch assembly and watch the rivet in the center part that sticks out of the door? If that is moving at all, it's got play. That rivet should not move at all.

Once they get too much play, they stop being able to lock when the door is closed. You'll start out being able to by pushing in on the door while locking it but it just gets worse and worse.

New ones are available for about $50 each but I found some good used ones in the junkyards too. Check the big series trucks, those seem to get less wear. (not always but worth a look)

[LockDoc]

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I found a rod. Which side is the latch on that you are having trouble with? You might try raising the strike up a little to see if that helps any.

LockDoc

[kaynnon]

are you trying to lock the door then close it? the doors on these trucks only lock with the key. or pushing it down from the inside with the door closed. not sure if this helps or you know already.