What is the difference between 82-88 and 89-92 door latch assembly's? All I can find is replacements for 82-88! Mine is am 89.

 

Plastic clips on the pushrods on later cars, is one of the big differences. The widget that softens the closing of the latch on the striker pin is another. If you can find any thirdgen spec latches, you're doing good. Last I looked all of them were discontinued, including replacements for early thirdgens. Maybe that's changed, I haven't looked in a couple years.

 

Classic industries had remanufactured ones for 82-88.

 

Do you mean the OER aftermarkets they list to fit nearly every RWD GM from 1980-00? Because I used the "Goodmark" version of that latch in my 87. It fits, and works but the inside lock rod doesnt travel as far forward as it should. I'd imagine the OER and "Goodmark" parts both come out of the same factory. I haven't looked too closely into why the aftermarket latch doesn't work. By that point I just wanted the car back together and didn't care enough to pull the latch back out and compare to original. At least the Goodmark G-body latch wasn't correct for the application, Unless the one I got is bent, but I did compare it before bolting it into the car...

Here's the OER applications list from Classic, I'd question if it'd even be a perfect replacement for an 87.






The later latches are enough different the early latch won't drop in and work. It'd bolt into the door, but the various rods probably wouldn't work, and as far the aftermarket pieces, I'd lean towards saying they won't even close without work. They're kind of garbage, really.

 

Didn't see one for an 89 listed.