Door latch

[bubb316]

O.K. I have a good one here.I am just about done with my "71" long bed complete frame off.The passengers door shuts and latches but if you hold the outside or inside handle "NOT" THE RELEASE and barely pull or push the door opens about a 1/4in.The strikers and latches are original,I have adjusted this and doesn't seem to matter.I also found another latch and put it in,no change! Anybody got any ideas???

[elgemcdlf]

As crazy as it sounds you need to move your latch outward. Sounds like you are only latching on the first latch and almost the second. When any pressure is applied it lets go to the first catch. Try moving the latch mechanism towards the outside of the truck just a tad. Another thought for checking would be to close the door slowly by hand pushing it listening/feeling for the catches.

[72BahamaBlue]

Yep, sound like the striker post might need to be moved outward. The door latch should make 2 distinct clicks when slowly closing the door.

Also make sure the little rod on the outside door handle button isn't too long, causing it to put too much pressure on the door-latch arm.
If adjusting the post doesn't work, try the adjusting with the outside door handle removed.

[bubb316]

O.K. I have already tried moving the striker,I will look at the handle.Never thought of that THANKS!

[elgemcdlf]

But did you try moving it outward. Most people think a latching problem means move it inboard & in some cases it does. Did you check for 2 clicks when closing it slowly by hand?

[bubb316]

O.K. I tried everything that was suggested,and it does make two clicks,but still opens about 1/4in. Anymore ideas??

[elgemcdlf]

If you attempt to open the door (after it makes this move outward 1/4") by just popping the button enough to release for a single catch does the door open or does it catch on the 2nd catch?

[bubb316]

It will open.I have the striker moved out as far as it will go.

[elgemcdlf]

You are not latching on the 2nd catch. Hard to say without seeing the truck. What are your body lines like at the front of the door? You may just plain need to replace your latches. You can move the front of the door in or out making the angle for teh catch different maybe making enough to get that 2nd catch

[bubb316]

The body lines look great in front and in back,top to bottom.I have replaced the latch on the door.

[elgemcdlf]

Can the front of the door come outward without being beyond the fender? Top / bottom tilt in the door. Worse comes to worse it can't cost that much to just take it to a body shop & have them properly align the door.

[72BahamaBlue]

There's a simple solution, something's not right there...
Make sure the post is vertically aligned with the latch. Gradually move post inwards until snug when 2nd click catches. Make sure door is tight to the weatherstrip, and to the small round rubber bumper(attached near the post). Don't slam the door, push against the handle to close, watch to see if door moves up or down when latching, will help with aligning the post.

[bubb316]

I dont know what to do.I put thw new weatherstrp on now it wont get to the second latch.I think I can move the bottom front out alittle,but not much.

[72BahamaBlue]

I dont know what to do.I put thw new weatherstrp on now it wont get to the second latch.I think I can move the bottom front out alittle,but not much.

You might need to move the post out a bit, new replacement weatherstrip is thicker than the original. As it compresses with time, readjust post inwards. Should take a firm tug to close, but not need to be slammed shut. Crack open a window before closing the door helps too.