Hey all - Looking for any tips on replacing the sliding rear window latch. Wanted to see if anyone had put something stronger on. I think if I put the same latch on that it'll just break again.

Thanks for the input.

- Tom

 

I doubt there is something. I just bought a replacement latch from the dealer for mine. The replacement screws were too large, so I reused the old ones.

 

pep boys sells these in the HELP isle.

 

I tried the oil breather grommet from the HELP! section and couldn't get it to work. Ponied up the extra bucks at the dealership and got something that fit right. I might have been game for this latch as well, but I don't know.

 

my latch breaks becuase i use it to open and close the windows. I dont remember where i bought them but i found some llittle handles with suction cups on them and i use them to open the window now. highly recommend something like that. it'll prolong the life of your latch

 

idk why they use this crappy design my old 88 Ram50 had a metal latch that worked great. I don't know why in the world they would get rid of that.

 

how much did you all pay for yours from the dealer? I paid 16 and some change. for a cheap piece of plastic i would have guessed to be about $1.50

 

They use a "crappy design" because Detroit has steadily been working to reduce the weight of *every single part* on a vehicle since the mid-1980's. This is done all in the name of fuel economy. Believe it or not, that metal latch you used to know in the back window had to be reduced in weight. Thank the tree huggers for that.

 

Thanks for all the input - the suction cup handle idea sounds cool.

Went to Oreilly's this morning and bought the latch kit for $6. I figure for $6 it can break every year and it won't hurt me.
Other than being annoyed that it broke in the first place what an easy fix.

If I ever figure out how to add a signature - I'm placing it under my mods - "aftermarket sliding window latch kit - at least 15HP"

Later -

 

6 bucks is more fair than 16, think they will mail me my next one?

glad you got it fixed.