Need door handle linkage help.

[kholding]

I've been messing with this for the past few hours and nothing seems to be lining up which is telling me that I am probably doing this all wrong. The link between the door handle and the door mechanism is too long. I have threaded it as short as it will go and it is still too long. I have 2 sets of these. 1 set is approx 1/2" shorter and are still too long. It also looks like it is going to interfere with the door lock. Sorry, this is the best picture I could get of what I am working with. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[kholding]

This is the image I was using as a reference.

 

[BowHunter148]

Here are pics of mine when I had to replace the brackets

 

[broncodriver99]

Have you tried tripping the latch so the fingers are closed? It should cause the lever to drop down.

 

[kholding]

That would probably help wouldn't it.....(feeling a little stupid right now).

 

[kholding]

Ok, tripped the latch but it really didn't make a difference. The linkage arm is still too long. Everything appears to be installed right. I believe I am installing it like Bowhunters pictures show. Maybe I got the wrong linkage arms? If they were an inch shorter, they would be just fine.

 

[NGABronco]

What year EB and what year linkage???%)%)

 

[kholding]

The doors are the 68-77 version (not sure the exact year, though). I bought the linkage new from Tom's Bronco I believe. Never had the old linkage unfortunately.

 

[kholding]

The more I look at Bowhunters pictures the more I realize that his rocker arm is lower and further out from the pivot point than mine. My lock mechanisms are aftermarket. I was curious about the orientation before the install because it seemed like it would need a lot of pressure at that angle of pull to actuate the lock mechanism. Maybe these are just cheap remakes? I wonder if the ones the vendors here sell are the same as what I have. Any recommendations?

 

[BowHunter148]

Here are pics of mine when I had to replace the brackets

If it helps, mine is a 76

 

[kholding]

Thanks Bowhunter. I called Wildhorses today and asked for a picture of their lock mechanism before I bought 2 new ones. Theirs looks better than mine but probably not enough to make up the difference on the linkage side. My mechanism almost looks like it was drilled too close and too high to the pivot point. Not enough room to re-drill it. I'm totally confused now because now it appears the linkage arm is too long and the lock mechanism aren't quite right. Even if I was able to shorten the linkage arm, the direction it pulls it looks like it is trying to pull the whole mechanism up rather than pivoting to unlock the door. Is any of this making any sense?

 

[kholding]

This is the area I am taking about:

 

[NGABronco]

Found 2 locks in my stash they look like yours, only 2 rods-both about 12".
A little blurred, haven't had my evening cocktail!!;D;D Can you turn the bent rod the other way???
Hope this helps
Good Luck!!

 

[jw0747]

Did you call Tom's and ask them?

 

[kholding]

Thanks NGABronco. The rocker on your locks looks to have a better pull-angle for the handle rod as well. Measured my rods and the shorter ones are approx 12" end to end, same as yours.

jw0747, not yet. Not sure if all the vendors get the lock mechanism from the same distributor or not.

I went and pulled the original ones off of my other bronco (did not want to do that). I'll do a comparison with those and possibly use them until I can find some others.

 

[kholding]

Installed the stock latch/rods and they fit perfectly.

I'm I'm now in the market for some original latch mechanisms for both doors (preferably with the rods) to put back into my other bronco. Anyone have any they are willing to part with?

 

[broncodriver99]

Installed the stock latch/rods and they fit perfectly.

I'm I'm now in the market for some original latch mechanisms for both doors (preferably with the rods) to put back into my other bronco. Anyone have any they are willing to part with?

I have a spare set somewhere. Will have to dig them out this weekend. They came out of a '72 I parted.