Barrman
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I remember a thread from years ago about the plate in the B pillar with a threaded hole. This plate is what the post screws into. The plate is also made to move so the post can be adjusted. The thread from years ago which I could not find today talked about how the plate could fall down into the bottom of the B pillar when the post was removed. There is no way to access the bottom of the B pillar to get the plate back.
With that in mind, I used big welding magnets around the post and very carefully removed the post and carefully screwed in a new one that was round and had the plastic bushing on it. I did the same for the other side of the truck.
I tried the same method a few months ago on the Blue Bomber. The ex USAF Suburban needed all 4 post changed out. I put my magnets on the B pillar, removed the post and heard "CLUNK" as the drivers door plate hit the bottom of the B pillar. Not a good feeling. Thankfully, the Suburban has an access hole down there behind the plastic trim. I was able to put it back in place and replace the post. The same thing happened on the passenger door. I went to do the rear door post and didn't because there is no access of any kind from the C pillar. I didn't change them out.
Today, Colton and I went to change the post out on RED. Before we started, we tried to look behind the plate or inside the B pillar. Since the seat belt reel is not installed yet, we could see the plate through a small hole. Along with the retaining pieces to hold the plate up. I still didn't trust it, so a screw driver was put in behind the plate as I unscrewed the post. The retainers actually held it in place and I was able to take the attached picture of the plate held up with a bit of room between the threads and the bottom of the hole in the B pillar.
That gap means you can probably loosen your post, let if go as far down as possible, look at it from the bottom and see if there is a gap. If you have the gap, chances are your plate will not fall and it is held up by the retaining pieces. If there is no gap. Then I would suggest you pull the seat belt reel off, look in the hole behind it at the back of the plate and see if you still have retaining pieces there. I couldn't get a picture of the retaining pieces through the hole. Sorry.
Those of you who have no plastic bushing on your door latch post will really benefit from changing in a set of new ones. Most auto stores have them for around $7.00. They make a huge difference on how easy the door closes. I figured somebody out there was a worried as me about the plate falling down and then having to cut a hole in the B pillar to get it out. Hope this helps.
With that in mind, I used big welding magnets around the post and very carefully removed the post and carefully screwed in a new one that was round and had the plastic bushing on it. I did the same for the other side of the truck.
I tried the same method a few months ago on the Blue Bomber. The ex USAF Suburban needed all 4 post changed out. I put my magnets on the B pillar, removed the post and heard "CLUNK" as the drivers door plate hit the bottom of the B pillar. Not a good feeling. Thankfully, the Suburban has an access hole down there behind the plastic trim. I was able to put it back in place and replace the post. The same thing happened on the passenger door. I went to do the rear door post and didn't because there is no access of any kind from the C pillar. I didn't change them out.
Today, Colton and I went to change the post out on RED. Before we started, we tried to look behind the plate or inside the B pillar. Since the seat belt reel is not installed yet, we could see the plate through a small hole. Along with the retaining pieces to hold the plate up. I still didn't trust it, so a screw driver was put in behind the plate as I unscrewed the post. The retainers actually held it in place and I was able to take the attached picture of the plate held up with a bit of room between the threads and the bottom of the hole in the B pillar.
That gap means you can probably loosen your post, let if go as far down as possible, look at it from the bottom and see if there is a gap. If you have the gap, chances are your plate will not fall and it is held up by the retaining pieces. If there is no gap. Then I would suggest you pull the seat belt reel off, look in the hole behind it at the back of the plate and see if you still have retaining pieces there. I couldn't get a picture of the retaining pieces through the hole. Sorry.
Those of you who have no plastic bushing on your door latch post will really benefit from changing in a set of new ones. Most auto stores have them for around $7.00. They make a huge difference on how easy the door closes. I figured somebody out there was a worried as me about the plate falling down and then having to cut a hole in the B pillar to get it out. Hope this helps.
