96 explorer - broken driver seat handle for lumbar

[hot&sexy_1120]

So I need help ASAP !

I broke my handle on the drivers seat for the lumbar a few days ago trying to get out of my truck. I don't know what's involved with trying to replace the handle and how to properly do it with out messing anything else up !! I've looked on youtube for videos and they weren't very informative or knowledgeable.

 

[koda2000]

i don't know if the '96 lumbar knob is the same as the 2000, but on the 2000 & 2001's it's a big black plastic knob. the knob just presses/snaps on the shaft. i'd try the salvage yard. take 2 long flat blade screw drivers with you. place them behind the knob 180 degrees apart and pop the knob off. shouldn't take much effort.

 

[powerstrokin250]

theyre different, but readily available at most junkyards, around me at least

its the lumbar, not the recline?

 

[Kevlar7R]

The recline handle is the usual suspect. Just bad design. I've taken mine out and welded it back together 3 times now.

 

[hot&sexy_1120]

It doesn't have a know on the seat. Its a lever that busted off that controls how far or how erect the back of the seat is.. I have pictures of it but for what ever unknown reason it wont let me upload them.

 

[Joe Dirt]

That's the recline handle. Just grab one at a junkyard if you don't have access to a welder.

Bolts on- 2 bolts on the right, the torx bolt on the left, and one more under the seat upholstery, you can push the upholstery up far enough to get to it though:

 

[Hacra]

I know this is old thread already, but i also had issue with handle breaking off on my '97.

Bought cheapo fluxocore welder off ebay (89$), made the crappiest weld (since i haven't welded for ages) and handle handles again.

 

[Mbrooks420]

When this happened to mine I drilled out the posts that held the original handle, tapped them and cut a piece of 1/2x1/2” angle iron and bolted it in. Tucks our of the way and has been rock solid for years. I shaped the angle into a handle shape so it doesn’t look janky.

 

[J_C]

Currently my recline handle is at a funny angle, I used to bend it back up straight but decided that was just more wear on it.

Do I understand Joe Dirt's post correctly that it's riveted on so the easier route is replacing the whole mechanism?

When this happened to mine I drilled out the posts that held the original handle, tapped them and cut a piece of 1/2x1/2” angle iron and bolted it in. Tucks our of the way and has been rock solid for years. I shaped the angle into a handle shape so it doesn’t look janky.

How thick was the angle iron you used? Was that thick enough to not bend again or did you make it shorter to lessen the chance of bending?

What exactly did you tap, the plate that the lever is riveted on to or the lever itself or both? Is there not space behind it to use a lock nut instead or some other issue I don't realize? Is it that the bolt head needs to sit away from the lever enough to have clearance for the spring to hook on?

I might end up pulling one at a junkyard then take my time putting an improved lever on, subject to when I happen upon the materials though I think I have some 3/16" angle or 1/4" plate aluminum *somewhere*.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It was 1/8 think I believe. I made it shorter because I was sick of it being in the way. It was beefy enough it wouldn’t bend like the flimsy factory junk.