door guts...

[jhickman1]

Ok guys I recently had to replace the drivers side door latch on my 77. I removed the armrest, door handle, door cup, door panel, and window track just to access the latch. I then had to perform a circus act to unlatch each of the rods(from handles and lock) to get the latch out. So... is there some kind of cheat or shortcut that I'm missing because its time to put the latch back in and I'm dreading having to do it! I'm almost to the point where I just wana buy a complete door to swap out than to finish the latch. Any help or past experience would be appreciated.

 

[Explorer]

Patience grasshopper. If you don't have it, your Bronco will teach you. Sorry, no magical shortcuts that I know of.

 

[Steve83]

Remove everything from the back end of the door; install the latch with rods attached first; then build slowly forward. The glass run should be one of the last few things to go in.

 

[jpopsbronco]

take your sawzal and take about oh a square foot outta the latch side of the door so you have some room to work or I can loan you one of my gremlins (they live in the bronco and usually cut wires/break stuff but if I can catch one they grant me one favor;D). Just kidding

No short cuts that I know of.. Some real long needle nose pliers and maybe a touch of grease may help some. Good luck