Driver's side Dorr handle

[tucker0104]

I bought a 97 powerstroke with a broken door handle and fixed it with the an original plastic handle after I bought it. I figured I would be driving it and could take it easy on it so it wouldn't break again. I didn't account for letting someone borrow the truck and them not taking it easy on the handle. It is broke again and this time I am wanting to put a more durable handle in there. Does anyone know if there are metal handles for the 97 F-250? If so, where can I find one? Thanks for the help.

[rolsmojave3]

Lube the cable. If that doesn't work, pull the door panel and make sure the inner door skin isn't cracking around where the handle mounts.

[ArrestMeRed04]

Mine is the same way(inner door skin is cracked) the handles from older ford trucks fit and are metal, advanced auto should have on it stock for you I think the one I bought was for an 86. Only bad part is they are chrome so now I have one black and one chrome door handle.

[rolsmojave3]

I've used a large fender washer to corrected the crack and lots of lube on the cable/pivot. I haven't broken a handle for 3 years now.

[T-ROD]

Originally Posted by rolsmojave3

I've used a large fender washer to corrected the crack and lots of lube on the cable/pivot. I haven't broken a handle for 3 years now.

Just broke my second handle today in as many months. I fixed the crack with a large washer as well but how do you lube the cable? There is only about a half inch of it showing behind where the door handle used to be.

[tucker0104]

What is the easiest way to take the door panel off so that I can replace the handle?

[whistlin dixie]

i broke 3 handles in a month then ripped the hole assembly off the inner door skin. oops. so nut and bolted it on lubbed everything and got metal handles out of a junk yard and it works better then it ever it. just take the screws out and gently pop off the door panel. if you have power windows and locks you have to disconnect all them too which is one giant plug.

[ol_Blue97]

when replacing the handle and lubing everything up make sure you inspect the mechanism for wear. if you have one in the condition mine was in you will never get it to stop braking handles.

looking at the mechanism to the left, look at the wear on the hinge to the right side of the pin. now look at the mechanism to the left and look at the hinge and see how it not there, now the door latch works like a dream!!