Is there multiple Chilton books for that year? I will try soaking it the next time I'm at my parent's place for longer than a weekend. I am in about the same predicament, the door has probably been stuck for longer than 5 years. Just so you all know the panels have been off since I picked up the truck from my cousin 2 years ago. I just haven't had time to soak the mechanism since my cousin tried to open the door. If I can't get it open as it is, the next step was to pull the seat out, because it definitely needs some repair too.

Thanks for all your help guys, its much appreciated.

 

Dang. I didnt realize this problem was very common.

My passenger door wont open either, at all. Ive reached behind the panel and tried pulling directly on the latch itself but i wont open. Im going to try the pentrating oil trick and hopefully thatll work.

 

wd40 is not a penetrating oil and can not be used as. make sure whatever you use says that it is penetrating oil. i like the liquid wrench penetrating oil. it has worked good for what i needed. i have read that there are a few better penetrating oils but they are about twice the price for not that big of a difference

 

PB blaster is probably the BEST penetrating oil I've ever used but im not sure if it's going to do any harm to the plastic clips, still worth a shot (or two)

 

who cares about the clips. you can replace the plastic clips with some steel wire to hold the rods in or buy new clips. they are not that expensive.

 

I agree with the comment about the PB Blaster. That is what I was going to try. I will let you know what happens when I try it.