'98 1500 Express door locks backing inward

[jseabolt]

Please take a look at this photo:

 

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14jRnrytnWI3Knvfw4soE3_vUnBEB86Ze

 

The lock has moved inwards away from the door handle.

 

The locking mechanism still works but I have to use a ILCO copy of the original key (without the GM black plastic around the base) in order to unlock the door without the key fob if that makes sense. I have only one key fob and my wife has the original key so she complains about having to unlock the van using the side door. Maybe I just need to swap keys with her in the meantime.

 

This is conversion van so there is more to taking this door panel off than just a regular cargo van (like a bunch of screws). I'm just curious if there is a nut behind the lock that has somehow backed itself off from years of slamming the door. The middle and rear door locks are not like this, just the drivers and passenger doors.