Hello all, first post to the forums. I've searched, but haven't been able to find an answer.

My new to me 2001 3500 Van cam missing both adjustment handles for the front row reclining mechanisms.

I ordered what I thought were the correct parts (TN56DX9AA and TN57DX9AA), but did not see a number or description for the screw show as part 10 in the diagram.

I'm not entirely sure how this is supposed to work. Based on the broken piece present on the post on the left, I assumed it would go there, however there is not enough room to clear the middle post, nor a way to secure the handle.

If it goes on the middle post, then I'm going to need the specs to find the correct screw. And also, if it is the middle, then what is the broken piece on the post on the left?

Pictures attached. Link to the only parts diagram I was able to find. I'm hoping someone with a similar van might be able to take a peek and help explain things to me.

Thanks!


https://www.moparpartsgiant.com/part...ront_seat.html


Cover On

Cover Off

Parts Diagram

 

Looks like there is a stud sticking up on the left one and it has a nut on it. That is where the handle would attach. That middle one looks like it might be to adjust something with as it is slotted. Don't think you need anything but the handle that is broken.

 

Right, that's what would make sense given what's in front of me and what I thought too, but as you see in the photo, there's no way the handle fits onto the left stud. The star nut is too small to engage the teeth on the inside of the handle, but too large too fit on the outside. But more importantly, the middle stud also interferes if the handle was mounted there. Additionally, the broken piece does not correspond with any portion of the handle. It's also a different material as well.

I've looked for photos on the internet, but as you can imagine there aren't too many closeups of 3rd gen Ram Van reclining mechanism. From what I CAN see, the handle I received does seem to be correct.

I'm thinking the broken silver piece might be part of part number 6 in the diagram, which doesn't have a description of quality image. That's why I'm hoping a member with a functioning reclining mechanism might take some photos to figure out what exactly I'm missing.

 

I THINK I might have figured it out. I think the broken silver piece is a portion of the unnamed part 5 of the diagram. Based on looking at diagrams of other vehicle assemblies that share some of the same parts numbers, I think part 5 is part number 5072341AA "adapter seat recliner" or I've seen it listed as merely "bushing" in some listings. The one eBay listing that has photos looks a lot like the broken part that I have.

The same other diagram lists the screw used as 8-32 x 1/2, which I'm also hoping is synonymous to part 10 of the Ram Van diagram. Other diagrams have listed the star nut in my photo (what I think is Part 6 in the Ram Van diagram) as "0120622" and ".164 - 32 hex nut", which would mount on part number 5072341AA

I'm hoping some members might pop in with photos of their own to confirm, but I'm still willing to place an order and hope for the best.