96 Dodge Ram door latch problem - stuck in closed position

The driver's side door on my 96 Dodge Ram has a crack in it running right along where the 3 bolts are that go to the door latch mechanism. Well, Apparently the crack got worse and ended up shiftying the mechanism, causing the door to not shut.

So I slammed the door trying to get it to shut and it caused the door latch mechanism to apparently freeze in the closed or latches position, but with the door open.

I have sprayed it with WD-40 and PB Blaster, etc., but I can't get it to unlatch. Can I somehow force it to unlatch with a prybar? I looked at it but I'm not entirely sure where I would pry to force it.

I might need to take it out and work on it ont he workbench. Does anyone know how hard it is to take out? I haven't had to take out the door trim or anything else on the door before.

Or, maybe i should just get a new door. I would like to fix this latch and just MIG weld the crack, but if that's not possible can't I use a door from a 94 to 98? What do you think it might go for from a salvage yard, not a perfect door just a decent one?

Any help is appreciated. I can't leave anything in the truck because it's obvious the door is cracked open and one could rifle through my truck without difficulty.

You might try talking to someone at a body shop. They may have some ideas on how to repair it or what a door from a salvage yard might cost.

Good luck.

The damage to the door latch mechanism and the door is worse than I thought. I do not think it is repairable.

The best deal I could find was a local salvage yard has a door from the same color, but a 94 model, for $500. It's power door and window like mine, but it has manual mirrors instead of my electric mirrors.

I assume I'll have to chnage the mirrors over. Also, what to do about the door lock? Is it easy for a locksmith to do?

Also, what to do about the door lock? Is it easy for a locksmith to do?[/QUOTE]


A locksmith should be able to remove the lock from the old door and install it in the "new"door.

The damage to the door latch mechanism and the door is worse than I thought. I do not think it is repairable.

The best deal I could find was a local salvage yard has a door from the same color, but a 94 model, for $500. It's power door and window like mine, but it has manual mirrors instead of my electric mirrors.

I assume I'll have to chnage the mirrors over. Also, what to do about the door lock? Is it easy for a locksmith to do? Just had the same issue repaired on my truck. The doors stress at the latch and the metal rips apart. My autobody tech Mig Welded it and also propped up the door due to sagging hinges. All is well!. Personally I wonder if crummy door hinge design is to blame for these issues.