2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission '01 quad cab door stuck closed - help

[Schlickenmeyer]

So I have pulled the handle out, and the upper rod releases with hand pressure, the bottom will not budge even with a vice grip on the rod. I have soaked it for weeks (from inside and below) with various penetrating oils, no luck.
Loose enuf to rattle on bumps, so I know it's not fused to the striker.
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[tmacc]

I had the same problem with the lower latch on my truck. It took a little doing ,but I soaked the snot out of it w/ penetrating oil and it finally came loose.

 

[PVanderlugt]

Same on mine, ended up that it just took a lot of force to turn the catch after it is all rusted up, and the way the latch works it works is that pulling on the door just doesn't put enough/the right kind of force on it. I ended up putting a breaker bar between the door and frame to pry it open, actually didn't go too bad, didn't even scratch the paint. Latch assembly totally rusted up and no amount of lube was going to make it work right. New one from Dodge is not cheap.
Pete

 

[rMetzger]

... . ahem..... don't tell those guys I said this, but, if their doors are getting so little use that they have a chance to rust up, they probably could have done short-cabs in the first place... . just between you'n me, 'K?

 

[HHhuntitall]

... . ahem..... don't tell those guys I said this, but, if their doors are getting so little use that they have a chance to rust up, they probably could have done short-cabs in the first place... . just between you'n me, 'K?

Naw, they're just really long armed.

 

[Missouri Mule]

Or long legged!

 

[Schlickenmeyer]

Will try tonight, body shop told me either a j-hook on the mechanism from inside or pry back the inner panel, get a hand in there and pry on release.

New one was a hundo. Tired of the banging when I hit bumps.

Oh, and mine got little use as it sat all summer until I could afford a new vp-44.