Best brand/source for replacement door handles?

[RangerX]

There's lots of posts about replacing exterior door handles, and lots of mention of replacement parts breaking after a year or two, but I don't see anyone give a recommended brand or source.
Do you have a suggestion you used that you're happy with?

 

[mgmgmg]

I went with dorman 10 years ago still strong!! just remember use the rivots not the back woods fix with screws....you will need a .25" rivot gun.....

 

[toypaseo]

Aren't gen2 metal handles a direct fit...

 

[boominXplorer]

I'm definitely not a fan of the cheap aftermarket handles, they don't seem to last long. I'd honestly check Tasca parts online for an oem Ford part. I know for 98+ explorer they are cheaper there than buying an aftermarket one in store.

 

[RangerX]

mgmgmg, good to know, because Dorman was one of the brands I saw mentioned that breaks.
toypaseo, I don't know, are they? But regardless, I'm needing them for my Ranger! I asked in this section to get a recommendation, figuring if a company make good 1st gen handles, (or 2nd gen), they will also make good Ranger handles, whether they share the same part number or not.
Boomin, I'll check out Tasca, thanks!

 

[CDW6212R]

I think the 91-01 handles will all swap. I put my 99 door handles into my 91 and 93 doors(my old 93 Limited body). I don't recall any differences other than the external shape, just a look. I prepped those and taped them off prior to painting. Use 1/4" rivets, those work great with the big HF gun.

Hunt OEM if you can, I bought four years ago for about $22 each, from Ford, in black(all they had left then). Now I think what you'll find is NOS, or unpainted. I like Dorman as a last resort, and they are the only source for a lot of parts. Their door striker bushings suck, but that's another story.

 

[swshawaii]

IF 1991-01 exterior door handles swap, here's a post complete with visible pics. Agree with Don, most of Dorman products SUCK "when" they do fit. Rant over and JMO.

Exterior Door Handle (plastic to metal) Conversion? > YES!

 

[CDW6212R]

I do recall the 1st gen mounting holes are hair higher up on the doors. I had to slightly move/elongate the holes downward a little, see the picture below(touch up paint around the two holes there).

They all use two tiny springs, and when one breaks, then the handle starts to flop. When both break, then you're mad at it every time you grab the handle.

Here's a 1999 door handle after I painted it, going into my older 1993 LR door. See the minor handle shape change Ford made for the 98-01 2nd gen's.

 

[Coasting2aStall]

Ok, I bow to knowledge of those fighting the Explorer door handle fight as to the best handle. But will offer bit experience in door handles over the years. First the Volvo 240 potmetal door handles truly sucked, for an upscale car in its time, made one wonder what they were smoking. I even went so far as to weld up my own exterior door handle out of steel to replace the wimpy pot metal ones. It worked, but became obvious what put strain on the door handle was a gummed up (from age) latch mechanism. I found out if I removed latch from door and soaked it in ATF overnight that it worked wonders. Also doors where hinge pin bushings are worn doesnt help.

On to a Festiva from late 80s. Same difference though didnt break door handle, just got hard to use. Again soaking latch mechanism in ATF worked wonders. And good it did cause junkyard was only place to find replacement.

Next an 84 Ranger. It had steel door handles (wish I had known, they probably been adaptable to the Volvo) but got into latch not working an me trying to drive down road holding door closed. Inside plastic handle broke on it. I made one out of steel and soaked latch. Still not functioning. Seems Ford had replaced simple rod actuating lever with an expensive cable that was no longer available. Cable was pointed up where it actuated latch and water had gotten down into it and rusted cable. Stupid engineer that did that. I ended up welding piece metal with hole in it, onto the latch where a homemade rod (coat hanger) from inner handle could trigger the latch. In other words I retrofitted it back to older smarter design. Never had anymore problems.

What I am saying is that though modern door handles arent very robust, its usually either a gummed up latch or cable that is causing you to apply too much force when pulling on the handles. Just a heads up.

 

[CDW6212R]

True, and good thinking. I've never had problems with my door handles, other than a couple of springs that were broken before I bought them. Mine are basically all in the same condition as when I got the vehicles. I hope being gentle with them will keep serving me well, since every one is plastic except for my old Ranchero and Lincolns.

 

[toypaseo]

Here's some OEM ones on eBay for $29.97 delivered (if they fit)

New Old Stock Ford Ranger Ranger XL LH Exterior Door Handle F37Z-1022405-A | eBay