drivers door won't stay open and also has to be slammed to shut

[locdogg]

ok, sorry for all the newbie questions but you guys are tons of help.  A million thanks.

My drivers door won't stay open and also needs to be slammed in order to shut

It is constantly shutting on my leg while I'm trying to work on it. 
Lately I have been wedging a screwdriver or whatever else I can find to keep it from shutting.

If I disassemble the door to clean and lubricate the latch do you think that will fix the need to slam it shut?
Do I need new hinges to keep it open?

[Captkaos]

Check you stricker adjustment for the slamming.  Check the hinge stop/spring for it not staying open.

[okuma]

you are probably missing the spring shaped like an "S" on your driver door...... check the passenger side where the hinges are and compare you will see where it should be..easy to replace.... 
also  when you replace to missing spring replace the door hinge bushings. your door probably does not close properly becase it is hanging--normal wear and tear! 
try pushing your door up from the handle side... you will notice lots of play...

[Blazin]

What okuma said. Also if you have been slamming it for a long time the damage might already be done to the latch. 9 times out of 10 when someone brings me this problem they should have brought it to me 6 months to a year before they did. the latch is always smashed up and junk from smashing it into the sticker at the wrong hight. I have even seen them where the latch is pushed outward in the door. The holes are egged out and the door sheet metal is all stretched toward the outside.

[locdogg]

thanks for all the info.  the latch and striker look ok although there is more wear on the very top of the striker.

also there is play in door, I did notice when I tried lifting it as okuma said

[okuma]

LOCDOGG, then you only need to replace the hinge bushings <brass>. this will eliminate the play and lift the door sag. then replace the "S" pring to make this door stay open - when opened.... simple job ,but be carefull.

[76_Scottsdale]

not to take over this thread, but how do you adjust the striker/latch so that the door will shut more easily without slamming. Mine has all new strikers and seals the problem seems to be when you shut the door quickly the air has no where to go unless the windows are down.

[Blazin]

Its not the striker thats the problem, its the air tightness of the truck with new gaskets etc.

[mike357]

will wore out hinges keep it from shutting right also?  i replaced the bushings and strikers on my '80 and it still is hard to shut. i dont have any movement in the doors when i rock them.i cant see that the latches are bent but i may try that next. when the door is shut the bottom of the door sticks out farther than the top. 

[Blazin]

Sounds like it need to be adjusted to fit better. If the top is hitting the cab before the latch catches the striker it will not shut good.