The metal around the latch bolts in the driver door on my RAM cracked and the whole thing is kind of pushed in. My cousin feels we can weld it using a wire welder, but then we should also replace the pins in the door so it doesn't crack it again.

I called around and my local parts store has only the "upper pin". However, there are two bolts in the package (one smaller than the other). I'm wondering if anyone here has any experience replacing the hinge bolts on their vehicle? Is this something me and my cousin could do ourselves?

I'd appreciate any info. Thanks.

 

I got my hinge pins from LMCTRUCK. http://www.lmctruck.com/icatalog/de/full.aspx?Page=11

 

^Kejobe you paid too much. $4.26 on rock auto, and each kit as 4 pins (enough for one whole door).

 

2x1972, KISS MY *SS!! Joking. Oh well. I did the drivers door last year. All the other ones are fine, so, yeah.

 

If you buy the dorman/help set you need 2 sets. I had the same problem, and don't know why there are 2 different size pins in each kit.

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-door-fix.html

https://dodgeforum.com/forum/2nd-gen...-for-30-a.html

 

Thanks for the replies everyone. After looking over the links I think I'll go with kejobe's LMC solution. I'm going to call them tomorrow and see exactly what I need to order. For me the pins aren't the big issue, but welding the metal around the latch. Hopefully he can do a good enough job that it holds for a while.

 

Welding will be the issue. If possible, slip a piece of plate behind it for strength. Just welding a crack without backing is not very strong. I don't know if you can get behind it or not...haven't checked.

 

Hi gdstock,

Yeah, we planned on doing that. I just forgot to mention it. My cousin was raised in the shop by his dad who was an awesome car and body man. My cousin mentioned using a solid piece of metal behind the section we're going to weld. He has one of those panel pullers and we're going to plan out a weekend to do this.

I'm going to call LMC today and see what I need to order for the pins. Thanks for all your input everyone. I appreciate it.

 

Let us know how it goes.....with pics! It may help someone else out with the same issue as well.

 

Well, praise God, I found out which pin kit I need and I also found a place nearby that rents the wire welder we need. I can get the stuff I need to fix my existing door (which has absolutely zero rust) for under $100. Considering the junkyard wanted $200 for a rusted junk door I'm doing pretty good.

I'll make sure I get my digital camera batteries charged up and I'll document the repairs as we go.