Removing 1997-2003 door handles
Removing 1997-2003 door handles
So I'm finishing painting my bumper this monday or tuesday and I decided to do my door handles as well. Anyone have a diagram or tutorial to removing the stock door handles and tailgate latch? I guess it would be reverse order to installing them again?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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From: Huntsville/Cypress, TX
tail gate latch is easy. just open the tail gate and remove the torx screws holding on that access plate. you should be able to see it no problem. and i believe there are 2 screws on the inside holding the actual handle on.
for the doors there is a little more work involved. you have to take off the inside door panels. first removed the clipped on pieces of plastic. there is a long vertical one against the door sill and another triangular one where the door meets the dash. there will be little plastic clip/fasteners behind them. remove those too. next you will need to pop the little round plastic cover off that is covering the inside door handle screw. it just looks like a little round cutout next to the handle. just pry it off. and remove the screw. then finally you will need to remove the window crank. there is a part of the crank that pops open to reveal the screw that holds is on. it might take a little work to pop it open. once you have removed the screw behind that, you should be able to lift up on the whole door panel and remove it. after that you should be able to see the screws that hold the handle on.
for the doors there is a little more work involved. you have to take off the inside door panels. first removed the clipped on pieces of plastic. there is a long vertical one against the door sill and another triangular one where the door meets the dash. there will be little plastic clip/fasteners behind them. remove those too. next you will need to pop the little round plastic cover off that is covering the inside door handle screw. it just looks like a little round cutout next to the handle. just pry it off. and remove the screw. then finally you will need to remove the window crank. there is a part of the crank that pops open to reveal the screw that holds is on. it might take a little work to pop it open. once you have removed the screw behind that, you should be able to lift up on the whole door panel and remove it. after that you should be able to see the screws that hold the handle on.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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If you've got smaller hands, it's pretty easy. I am 6'2 @ 320lbs, so I have big hands.
The 2 nuts are 8mm or 10mm. The easy to access one just needs a 1/4 extension and will come right off. The one hidden inside it a PIA, but here's how I did it.
1/4 ratchet with 8 or 10mm socket. I'd suggest getting a 1/4 universal flex adapter ( the one that looks like a u joint for your ratchet ) a 3 inch extension and a 10 inch extension. Just take the time and guide it in there. It's not easy the first time, but after that you know what you're in for. Once the handle is loose, just remove it from the outside, you have to twist it to get out. Remove the rods, then use pliers to pull on the oversized door lock clip, and remove the lock.
Reverse to install .... My first time it took 45 minutes trying to get it all figured out ... Second door took 10 minutes
The 2 nuts are 8mm or 10mm. The easy to access one just needs a 1/4 extension and will come right off. The one hidden inside it a PIA, but here's how I did it.
1/4 ratchet with 8 or 10mm socket. I'd suggest getting a 1/4 universal flex adapter ( the one that looks like a u joint for your ratchet ) a 3 inch extension and a 10 inch extension. Just take the time and guide it in there. It's not easy the first time, but after that you know what you're in for. Once the handle is loose, just remove it from the outside, you have to twist it to get out. Remove the rods, then use pliers to pull on the oversized door lock clip, and remove the lock.
Reverse to install .... My first time it took 45 minutes trying to get it all figured out ... Second door took 10 minutes