1999 E150 sliding door alignment

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Dec 28, 2020 | 04:56 PM

#16

jimbomitch

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From: Central NJ

So, it was a relatively easy process? Did you remove the door, or just replaced each assembly one at a time? How about the rollers themselves, can they be removed from the assembly?

Dec 28, 2020 | 05:12 PM

#17

James Doty

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From: Woodland, WA

The rollers don't look like they'd be trivial to remove from their assemblies.

We replaced the bottom roller assembly first while holding the door up. You don't have to take anything apart aside from removing the bolts that hold the roller assmebly to the door, just open the door a couple of feet and rotate the assembly in to place in its track.

Once the lower assembly was in place we unbolted the adjusting bolts from the two piece top assembly and slid it off its track, then slid the new assembly in to place and bolted it back to the door side mount. I didn't get the entire top assembly just the part from the adjuster to the rollers.

Then we loosened the bottom assembly, lifted the door slightly, then re-tightened the bottom assembly and it was perfectly lined up.

Dec 28, 2020 | 05:26 PM

#18

jimbomitch

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From: Central NJ

Thanks James. Do you think it was it the rollers themselves that were giving you the trouble? Can you see any numbers on the rollers, or better yet give me the dimensions (OD/ID/T) of one? I reckon that they are probably swaged on, so agreed removing them would be a little struggle.

Dec 28, 2020 | 05:36 PM

#19

James Doty

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From: Woodland, WA

I have the new one in the van already, and the old one's are in the van as well and without the door motor working I can't get in to grab it.

That said, we compared the new (used) units with the old ones and the rollers were not visibly different in diameter, we'd have had to use a micrometer to see the difference. I think the bearings in the roller units on the old rollers were bad and causing the rollers to not function under load. Chances are pretty good that we didn't have to change the top rollers at all, but since I had the part we went ahead and did so.

The next time my buiddy comes down I'll have him drag the old parts out and I'll measure them for you. I can say the old parts looked more "rough" than the new (used) parts. The replacement parts looked much nicer.

I considered shooting some video but it was stupid cold out and I was wearing gloves, no way I could operate my camera.

Dec 28, 2020 | 05:55 PM

#20

jimbomitch

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From: Central NJ

James, I completely understand, I'm pretty much in the same situation. So, no biggie on that info. I'm just prepping for should there come a time I have to go through this, and that I'm locked and loaded and not having to scramble for parts. Fortunately, I have three vans that are operational so if one is down there's no real pressure to hurry a repair. I like to try and save money where practical so if I can source the rollers and just replace those is the route I would prefer to take. Thanks again.

Dec 28, 2020 | 06:15 PM

#21

James Doty

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From: Woodland, WA

I also understand. I have four vehicles.
1984 Mini-Bird with a Collin's lift (I think it's a Collins?)
1985 Ford E150 conversion van with a Ricon lift with wireless controller for the barn doors and lift. That van's cool because it has a custom interior, and came stock with a Holley carburetor.
1999 Ford Econoline XLT with Crowriver lift and Ricon door opener. It's a passenger van but a nice one. This van will replace my 1985 Ford van when it's ready to be driven. I'll sell the 1985 Ford van.
2013 Chrysler Town & Country Touring model with an AMS vans conversion. This one I've added factory remote start to, and four wheel independant tire pressure readings. I love this van but it's not good for camping and I don't ever want to haul anything in it that my make a mess or scratch something.

There's always something here to drive, I like to be prepared.

Dec 28, 2020 | 06:44 PM

#22

jimbomitch

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From: Central NJ

I hear you about being prepaired. I've got a 2010 E250 for hauling stuff. A 93 E150 conversion (no high roof) and a 2000 VW Eurovan money pit. They all have sliding doors, Braun Swing Away Lifts and Ricon 6 way seat bases.

Feb 26, 2021 | 08:02 PM

#23

coolfeet

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From: Bay Area

This thread is great information. I wish I knew this afternoon years ago! I owned 2 Econolines with sliding doors. Both had severe issues with breaking latches and sticking. I bought my next 2 vans with side barn doors, thus avoiding any sliding door issues.