Exterior Door Handle Replacement

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May 6, 2008 | 05:08 PM

jecp

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Joined: Oct 2004

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From: Central Jersey

Exterior Door Handle Replacement

I am sure, someplace in this forum, is a thread on replacing the exterior door handle on a 1997 Ranger. If so, can someone please direct me to it, or post a procedure?

Much Thanks,
Chris

May 6, 2008 | 06:38 PM

Hank85713

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Joined: Feb 2002

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From: Tucson USA

pretty simple go to dealer get replacement, take interior panel out, pulll door handle up and drill/grind the rivets out. Replace the handle assembly, either use rivets or get some 1/4 20 stove bolts and self locking nuts use these in lieu of rivets as you would need a large riveter to pull the required ones. replace door panel

May 7, 2008 | 04:51 AM

Delta

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From: Central IN

Don't use an after market handle. I did and had to replace it within a couple of months because it was junk.

May 7, 2008 | 02:02 PM

gvrangr98

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I second the thought on refraining from after market door handle! mine broke after 40 some odd days due to (I believe) New England winter. got to cold....and snap!

removal, I found, was harder than install. had to remove rivets with drill. the only tricky part about install was getting the metal rod to hook in correctly. I used the bolt/lock nut method as apposed to new rivots. Easier and works like a charm. Also my 98 ranger does not have electric window/door locks which I found made things simple to work around. Take off door panel to access inside of door. then look inside to determine where the long metal rod/hook is. drill out rivots. then lift out handle and unhook plastic handle from metal rod simultaneously. Hard to articulate but easy to see and figure out.
paying a dealer/shop for this fix would be preposterous!

May 7, 2008 | 06:55 PM

camodown

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From: West Tx

I thought the exterior handle was held on by two small nuts. The interior door handle is riveted on, yes, but I could have sworn the exterior one was held on by studs and two nuts.... In that case, remove the door panel bu unscrewing the bezel screws and pull the bezel off. Then remove the fasteners holding the main panel on, and lift straight up. you will then have access to the inner workings of the door

May 8, 2008 | 09:05 AM

gvrangr98

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i don't know about your truck camodown, but my 98 xlt 4x4 3.0 definately was rivets.

May 8, 2008 | 07:56 PM

camodown

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From: West Tx

Wow, my memory seemed to have failed me already....and i'm not that old yet... My mistake for the mis information... I was thinking of my old truck (F-250). Closer inspection revealed there were rivets....

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