I did my anti rattle kit and door weather strip this weekend. The drivers door closes ok but firm. The passenger door is a whole nother animal. It doesn't want to close unless I give it a good slam. I tried adjusting the striker but it still hangs on the striker. Then I noticed something. The drivers side striker bolt is thicker and has a "rolling" thingy on it. The passenger side is thinner and doesn't have this thing. Am I correct in thinking the passenger side "roller" thingy is gone and I need a new striker bolt?

 

There should be a plastic sleeve on the striker bolt. If it's gone, then that's your problem. I've seen heater hose used on them in a pinch, but a new striker is a much better option.

 

Napa has a good deal on them, I think I paid $7 ea. a few months ago.

 

After you replace the striker adjust the door so the lines are right even if it is hard to close then leave it for a few days, I think you will find that time is your friend. If you can park it in the sun and warm it up even better. good luck.

 

I too replaced my weatherstripping this spring and the doors didnt want to close easily or tightly without slamming it. I adjusted the striker pin about 100 times but finally got it close. I have found that after a month or so, they gradually soften up and then you need to readjust the pin. Keep readjusting every month or so until eventually they close properly. In my last pickup, this took about 6 months of adjusting.

 

I'll pick one up. I think there may be alignment issues with the door as well. I'll try and get a pic of the door. I really dont want to mess with the hinges. Can that even be done with the front fender on?? lol

 

Maybe the hinge pin is so worn the door is sagging creating enough of a misalignment. I don't know. I agree that it will soften up with time though.

 

I replaced my strikers out of the help section at the local auto parts. Dont bother just buying the plastic sleeve (they have those too)as I see no good way of replacing them, New strikers are cheap enough. Dont spray them with silicone lube either, dont ask how I know that white lithium is whats called for in the manual. You may possibly need these hinge pins though:
1973-79 Full Size Truck/bronco - Door Parts - Door Hinges

 

Got a new striker and it does latch much better. Door is still off tho. I did move the striker up so the door is even all around. It is very difficult to open/close with the striker in this spot. moved it down a little and it opperates much better. Here is a pic. You can see how it gets narrower towards the top. The windshield side is wider.

On another note, took her to get a bath today and with the high pressure wash she leaked at the top of the doors both sides and thru the wing windows. (haven't changed those seals yet)