1997 Suburban - how to replace exterior door handle?

[v8_ranch]

I need to replace the exterior door handle on my drivers side (front). I have the new handle but am not sure of the easiest way to proceed. Do I have to remove the inteior door panel to do this?

Thanks

[16th hippy]

yep. remove door panel, but first make sure window is up all the way. once panel is removed, you can either remove the handle linkage or remove the two 10mm bolts holding handle to door. i find it easier to remove bolts to give handle a little bit of wiggle room to remove linkages. after a little bit of wiggling new handle will be in and re-assemble in reverse. any more questions, just ask!

[v8_ranch]

Thanks

[16th hippy]

no prob.

[cossavew]

16th hippy-

Can you elaborate on how you got that handle replaced? I spent a bit of time messing with mine to no avail. I got both bolts out and it was moving around freely, yet could not get it out far enough to remove and replace the two rods connected to the back. It was buried very high up inside the door with the winidow channel in the way on the inside. Can you give me some more detail as to how to get the darned thing out?

Thanks in advance.

[16th hippy]

well, i removed the release rod(i think, may be the lock rod) from inside the door, then it takes a bit of wiggling to get it out for the other rod, then is just reverse going back together. of the 10 or so i have done, all were pains, had to wiggle and move it around a bit taking off old and installing new. just keep messing with it until you get it. best advice i can offer.

[cossavew]

Thanks for the feedback 16th hippy. I will get into it again. I was successful in replacing the inner handle, but the outer looked like a hassle being obstructed by the window crank, channels, etc. I will have to get my hand up in there and release one of the rods as you recommend, then wiggle it out to get to the other.

[cossavew]

16th hippy-

Another question for you...(thanks again for your previous reply)

Recently, my 1996 GMC Suburban "shudders" when traveling over bumpy roads. It's not a wheel balance issue, driveshaft or u.j. issue. the truck has approx. 100,000 miles and is in good condition. I have checked body mounts and there is no rust....the rubber is still in good shape. As I said, the truck is clean.

not sure what is causing this rough ride. Do you think it might be springs? Tires are 15" diameter with 10.5" tall Michelins. The tires have about 50,000 miles, but still in good shape. the shocks are good as teh truck is not bouncing in any way. Brakes good as well....problem occurs whether or not brakes are applied.

Any thoughts are appreciated!