Driver's door latch spring
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Brights Grove,Ont. Canada
Driver's door latch spring
Has anyone attempted to replace a broken return spring on their door latch mechanism? Along with my engine problems is this concern. The spring broke and fell down into the door bottom. I have a spring that will work but not sure how to load up the tension on the spring and put it into position. Has anyone done this job?
Thanks for any ideas on this job.
Greg M-47
Thanks for any ideas on this job.
Greg M-47
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 831
Likes: 7
From: Milford, Michigan
I have removed the spring on mine when I was sandblasting and restoring the latch. The spring is very strong so I used a piece of wire looped around the end of the spring to pull the end back over the post. I used a screwdriver as a handle wrapped around the opposite end of the looped wire for additional leverage. Hope that is understandable 
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Brights Grove,Ont. Canada
Yes Ross, that is the spring I'm talking about. The tail of the spring that is held in place broke off. I have a spring that I got at a swap meet. Just need to install it under tension. Latch is out.
Not sure of your description Cougar, but I'm off to the shop to attempt an install and get an update on my engine.
Greg M-47
Not sure of your description Cougar, but I'm off to the shop to attempt an install and get an update on my engine.
Greg M-47
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 384
Likes: 0
From: Brights Grove,Ont. Canada
Came up with an idea to install the spring. Took a 9/16 bolt and cut off the threads. Then cut a slot in the shoulder of the bolt that the spring end would fit in. Then turned the bolt until the spring tail lined up with the locking tangs. Pushed down into place with a screwdriver. Vise grips to squeeze the locking tangs closed onto the spring. Voila.
Worked like a charm BUT my swap meet spring had a tail ( That pushed against the latch. ) that was too short and it sprung out when I tried the door handle !!
Greg M-47
Worked like a charm BUT my swap meet spring had a tail ( That pushed against the latch. ) that was too short and it sprung out when I tried the door handle !!
Greg M-47
Logistics Pro
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 4,684
Likes: 79
From: Northville, MI
Trending Topics
Fleet Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 27,283
Likes: 1,046
From: NM
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Ford Super Duty: 5 Things Owners LOVE, 5 Things They LOATHE!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2026 Ford Truck Engine RANKED from WORST to FIRST!
Michael S. Palmer
The Best F-150 Deal of Every Trim Level (XL through Raptor)
Joe Kucinski
I don't know. Just a guess. Does anyone make the complete latch?
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,669
Likes: 13
From: San Jose, CA
AFAIK, no one makes the complete latch... yet.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Stinky7-11
1973 - 1979 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
1
Nov 4, 2011 11:08 PM