Alternate to door handles/lock

[RealJakeMalloy]

I keep my Bronco with no top all year and when I run a top it is a bikini top. In other words, there is no way to keep someone out, which is fine. Problem is the door handles/latches on these trucks suck - they are hard to push, break, etc. Is there any creative solution to open and close the door that is easier, simple, etc.? I literally just need the door to open and close. Not lock.

 

[DirtDonk]

When they are working properly, the door buttons are extremely easy to push.
Two things commonly cause them to be hard.
One is old age of the latch and they get really gummed up. A thorough cleaning and lubing usually fixes that.
The second thing is if the handles have been replaced with the modern version, the button ratio is completely different and probably designed around a mustang or something like that. So on a bronco really hard.
Have new handles by any chance?

 

[Broncobowsher]

When I got my latches and handles cleaned up and lubed, they are easier then many new cars.

 

[tpatton75]

I had to use the old button on my new handles , the new button was too hard to open.

 

[73azbronco]

old stock is very easy if adjusted properly.

 

[phred]

Also check the rods inside the door. If they are bent the effort on the push button will be difficult as well

 

[RealJakeMalloy]

When they are working properly, the door buttons are extremely easy to push.
Two things commonly cause them to be hard.
One is old age of the latch and they get really gummed up. A thorough cleaning and lubing usually fixes that.
The second thing is if the handles have been replaced with the modern version, the button ratio is completely different and probably designed around a mustang or something like that. So on a bronco really hard.
Have new handles by any chance?

Yes. They are new.

 

[RealJakeMalloy]

Thanks. One of the bolts in the inside cup is so damn stuck on there I cant seem to get it off - at least not with the tools I have. I think I need to find a shop to just solve the problem once and for all. I take my 10 year old to school a lot in the truck and she has to climb in/out of the back.

 

[DirtDonk]

I bet you it’ll be harder to find a shop that configure it out, than to do it yourself.
They wouldn’t know what the problem was unless they are Bronco experts with lots of years of experience.
You didn’t happen to keep the old handles, did you?

 

[pcf_mark]

I find the reproduction handles I bought are terrible. The push button gets stuck, they flex when you pull them, fit poorly to the door. Other than that they are really shiny.

Try to get a decent handle to start, use clean latches with grease, get your doors align right and it should work as nice as a new car.

 

[Torkman66]

Pretty sure he is talking about the interior handles. Please confirm.

 

[DirtDonk]

Could be. Since those are often hard to use as well. But in the first post they used the word "push" to describe it being hard to open. Which made me instantly think of the outside handles with push-buttons.

Paul