Door Removal

[David89]

I have a 1999 Explorer, and as easy as it sounds i can't figure out how to remove my driver and pass. side doors! Can anyone help me with this?

 

[ghosttrain2]

I have a '97 explorer parts truck,if you are unbolting door and hinge, the lower hinge is accessed behind the kick panels. You may need to remove the dash assembly to remove the upper hinges.I already had the dash out ,when I removed mine. It will also make the door harness plugs easier to unplug.If you don't need the hinges with the doors, unbolt them at the doors.Are you replacing them?

 

[David89]

Nope just taking them off, summer is starting and trails are great with no doors!

 

[solitary ogre]

on my '91 to get the right side upper door hinge off, i took out the glove box and used a hole saw (i think it was about 1 1/4 inch if i remember correctly) to drill through the plastic and insulation so i could reach in with a socket to remove the nut that holds the hinge on. you just eyeball the holesaw over where you figure the nut will be from the inside then drill it out, then reach in to remove the plug and insulation with needle nose pliers.. saves pulling the dash out. you don't notice the hole from the outside unless you really look for it through the small crack between the dash and door post. if you drop the nut consider it gone. i used masking tape to hold a new nut onto the socket when i was putting it back together.
i've not yet tried the left side.


keep smilin.............t

 

[David89]

Alright well maybe i will do that then, i will see how hard it is to get to first to see if i want to remove the dash or cut a hole in the golve. I'm sure that bolts aren't hard to get if you lose them! I'm just wondering about bolting them back on, will they balance and close correct?

 

[solitary ogre]

the nut came off easy 'cause it is out of the weather so no corrosion. chances are you'll drop it down inside so be prepared to find a new one. i took a fine line felt pen and marked where the hinge was in a couple spots so it was easy to line up again. it was easy replacing the bushings with the hinge out.
i can see a need to replace the bushings on the left side soon that might not be as easy as pulling the glove box and drilling a hole in the side of the dash for access. it might be easier to replace them with the hinges still in.

 

[trj360]

http://explorerforum.com/forums/member.php?u=22646
i know this guy did it but i'm not sure what thread it was in, you can search through his posts.

 

[David89]

I might have corrosion problem with the bolts,cause i have had mud/water/**** come in my through my doors while wheelin and mudding! Nothing a little WD-40 can't handle