Replacing door pins and bushings ????

[tryn2lrn]

I will post here since I didn't get any responses in the compact forum. I need to replace the door pins and bushings on the girls s-10 Blazer. I have never done this before and am looking for tips or things NOT to do. The shop wants $200 to do it and that sounds high to me. I have done a fair amount of mechanical work but never this. I don't think they are bad enough to have to go oversize yet but I would like to prevent that. Thanks

[commanche1]

hello , i just did mine on my 1998 chevy k1500 at 50,000.the little brass bushing were wore out not the pins.the hard part is getting the spring back in. i used a tie band around the spring then when i put it back in ,i just cut the tie band and it expands. there is a tool out for compressing the spring too.make sure someone holds the door for you, that is a great help.took me about 30 minutes to do both sides. cost, 11 dollars,

[tryn2lrn]

Thanks for the info, did you use a jack under the door or just someone holding it. 30 minutes for both, I sure hope I can do it in twice that time.

[commanche1]

i had a friend hold it.he took a floor jack, yes, and put a pillow on it so it would not damage the door.he adjusted it while door was on.after i knocked the pins out,then my friend had control of door.you are really only balancing it if you had the jack adjusted.the real hard part is replacing that spring.if you can go borrow a tool that depresses the spring, its real easy.i used a tie band before i removed the spring.some use soft wire also and they tighten it down real tight,then remove the spring ,then they unwind the wire after putting it back. you see what i am trying to say. that spring if fully open is almost impossible to put back in. also take tape and tape all around the bottom of your door and put some on your fender where the door mounts.this is so you dont knick your paint if person holding moves around.any where that door might hit put TAPE.if you pins are not worn you can reuse them.if not you will need new pins. my truck only had the BRASS ring worn. funny ,i replaced the passenger side and they were ok but i wanted both done.there is a clip on the pins that hold them on,you have to break them off before you knock the pins out.i cant think of anything else . if you can borrow a spring tool to do this ,it is much easier. i could not find anyone that had one other than chevy garage and they would not give it out.you also can buy the tool aftermarket but unless you are doing a lot of doors, does not make sense.tool no is j36604.a friend of mine popped the spring out without compressing it then he put it in a vise,tighten real slow to compress it ,then he put a soft wire around it , installed it, then cut the wire. thats way i would do it,if no tool , put it in a vise and do as stated above.i have done these before so it went quick for me. your first time, it will be much longer. take your time and have a helper hold that door.take care