Ok first off I purchased a 1998 Ram1500 quad cab a couple months ago for a winter driver. It is in great shape for its age.. runs like a rapped ape, and drives good... only one slight problem.

The suicide doors are stuck shut. The truck was like this when I bought it. I took a peek at it, and tried to get it to work. I am fairly mechanicle but this has got me stumped.

When the handle is used the top latch disengages, but the bottom sticks. I took the interior panel off and messed w/ the latch from the inside,Nothing, even sprayed WD-40 in the mechanism and NADA...

Both sides are the same. WHAT AM I MISSING?? HELP A BROTHA OUT PLEASE..

 

That is a very common problem. You will probably have to grab the rod that goes to the bottom and pull up on it. The mechanical assembly handle mechanism has a tendency to break causing the non opening condition. Some times the rod just pops out of the assembly. Worst case scenario you will need to buy new handle assemblies.

 

The search function.Use better thread titles and I'll consider it.

 

Ok thanks, but the issue is, I tried that. The rod is firmly inplace. and still nothing. it is like the mechanism is frozen, or rusted. but odd that it happened on both doors..

 

It is jammed. Grab the rod with a good pair of vicegrips and lock them down on the rod. then take a shot peen or other heavy soft faced hammer and smack the vicegrips in an upward motion and it should open.

 

I will give that a try tomorrow... and give you a heads up..

Thanks.... I appriciate it.

 

Ok I found what was wrong. Now I need help getting a new part.

The Lower Latch on the cargo doors are rusted and do not work very well.

I can not find anyplace that sells them online. Can anyone point me in the right direction for the parts?

 

try LMC truck,
check at dealer. it may be one of those dealer only parts since its not a normal wear out/replacement service kind of part.
check your local junk yard.
try online junk yards.
check this forum and others for people parting out trucks.
ebay.

 

You can clean it up and lubricate them properly and get them working again. Your only other option is either junk yard units or the dealer if they still carry them.