Door Latch

[sider68]

I just put new door latch on and the door stays closed. Hurray!!! The only trouble is now it sticks out 3/4 inch. Do I need to move the striker in?

[_Ogre]

there are 2 latch positions, you may need to move it out to get the 2nd latch
or just slam the heck out it, that's how truk is

[oldcouple]

Many guys adjust it too tight, it needs just a little give to be able to click the second latch position, click it a bunch while watching the movement and you will see how it works.

[Russell Ashley]

Start with the latch plate too far out. Push the door slowly and listen and feel for the second latch. Then move the plate in until the door is flush with the body when latched. If you have new rubber on the door you might need to slam it (but not too hard) like Ogre said.

[booger1949]

dont even play with the oem style latches, get the bear claws an its a done deal, they close rite everytime an you dont have to slam your doors, and never have to worry about them poppin open when you go around a corner r a curve, an thats nice if u have kids

[mr48chev]

Do as Russel Ashley suggested and move the striker out and get the door to latch solidly and then move it in a bit at a time until you get the results you want.

[solidaxel]

[I have found that when adjusted the lower edge of the striker is out a bit from the top, that seems to work best for me with the stock door parts

[Russell Ashley]

The latch plates are adjustable vertically also. You don't want the latch to raise the door when you close it but the slider on the door should be resting on the latch when closed. I put white grease on both surfaces when I was adjusting mine. I could look at the track in the grease and tell how much contact the door latch was making with the latch plate. Remember also that there are two grooved plates that go under the latch plate that spaces the plate out from the body and locks the plate from moving.

If your latches are in good condition and adjusted properly I don't think you have to worry about the door popping open.

[OrrieG]

If you have new rubber that may be holding it out a little bit too, you will probably get to do it again as the rubber compresses.

[sider68]

Thank you for all the advise. The latches I had were aftermarket (black) and didnt hold. The new one for drivers side they sent me was plain metal and aftermarket too and wotks well (except for gap)