My driver side outside door handle suffers from a broken spring. Is it possible to just replace the broken spring, or must the whole handle be replaced? If I can replace just the spring, any ideas on where to order one from? Thank you for any suggestions!

Not a replaceable item. You can get a new handle for about $10 on ebay, but they are not well made and the mounting studs are a little smaller. Check with some of the vendors here and get a used one, or check 1A's part out for about $20.
http://www.1aauto.com/exterior-door-...FSlgMgodTRYARQ

Possibly you could cobble something in there but your better off replacing them.
ANY reasonable priced replacement handle is gonna be china junk anyhoo. If you find a genuine OEM handle is gonna be $pendy!

I put a Dorman handle in my 84 a year ago and its still working fine.
Cost less than $20. bucks.....................

Well, it looks like I'll be replacing the handle. I was hoping for a fast and easy fix, but figured it would probably need a full replacement. Thanks for your suggestions! Now I need to look around here for instructions on removing the door panel to do the replacement. Thanks again!

Thanks for the 1A referral. I just placed an order with them for it.

I hate to be the barer of bad news but a broken handle is usually an indicator of worn hinges. When the hinges wear the door needs to be lifted to close properly and the handle is where everybody lifts it from ,Hows the armrest holding up? Open the door and try lifting it up to see if theres any play in the hinges if there is then have the pins and bushings replaced or you'll have to replace another handle in a couple weeks...

The handle can be replaced without removing the door panel. You will have to loosen the panel from the rear of the door in order to get up in there. Taking the armrest off may help some. Done it a few times myself.

That sounds like a difficult job. A body shop type of job. I'm gettin' nervous!

Deadbodyman just rained on your parade! Check this link out.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/body...in+Replacement

They're not to bad to replace, just have another strong helper and patience. Get the right tools and parts and do them both. You be fine!

If your doors are actually sagging, look for the kit provided by TDS that replaces the hinge pins. Pretty simple job with a dremel and a ladder.

OK naf,

I know your just sit'n around wait'n on someone to ask what the ladder is for, So I'll oblige ?

Maybe he's used to changing hinge pins on a jacked up 4x4...

But seriously, my guess is to straddle the door with it and use a strap from one set of legs to the other to hold the door up.

the first one is a little hard but after that they're a piece a cake...but theres no sence in worrying about it, sometimes the spring gets rusty and just breaks so the handle just needs to be replaced and your good to go...to know for sure you have to lift the back of the door to see if theres any play ,if there is then its pins and bushings too..You can get the pins and bushings at Orillies but I had to order mine...they cost about 20.00 per door and were here the next day. and theres plenty of hinge threads here to read too because it a common problem with pretty much all cars...I think you can handle it...

You guys are makin' it too difficult for ol' Swamp!

Just get a new handle and put it in NOW and worry about the hinge/pins
LATER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh yeah,the handle comes first no matter what you do or dont do....
Its not like the door is going to fall off or anything...I've had a few come into the shop so bad the door wouldnt close at all and the striker and backing plate ripped through a big hole that got torn out of the pillar from the door bouncing up and down and just beating the striker to death.and the door was still there...
Just remember, the latch has to make 2 clicks to be secure 1 click and your taking chances....
.LOL,a couple months ago a lady actually fell out of her car going down the hiway......and she was the driver.
I dont know how it could have possibly happend but she did get a ticket for no seatbelt ....personally I thihk she was just plain "Too stupid to drive" probably dropped her cell while texting then removed the seatbelt and opened the door so she could reach it.??????????? I sheet you not,it was in the papers....But it COULD have been a bad latch.....