Reat Liftgate Handle

[hallkev]

I'm on my third broken handle... frustrating that they're 100% plastic... door gets alot of use and the round part that holds the rod/clip breaks. Does anyone know of a strong replacement handle from another manufacturer that'll fit?
Thanks

 

[koda2000]

if the linkage, rod pivot and latches are lubricated there shouldn't be much stress on the handle. i'd think you'd be breaking yellow plastic clips before the handles break. where are you getting your handles from? if they're Dorman brand that might explain why they're breaking, although other than Ford i doubt anyone else makes them. you might be better off with OE or even salvage yard handles. the only problem i ever had with a handle was on my '01 EB and that was lack of lubrication the handle pivot points. it prevented the handle from dropping after the lift-gate was closed, which prevented it from latching unless you slammed in shut. when i bought my '00 Mountaineer the lift-gate wouldn't open because the yellow clip had pulled out of the handle, again a lubrication problem.