Need advise on door sag..............

Author Topic: Need advise on door sag..............  (Read 4173 times)

Offline Glennster

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Need advise on door sag..............
« on: August 08, 2008 - 08:58:46 PM »
The driver door on my 70 Challenger has a little door sag. The passenger works great.
I can see where there is 3/16'' to a 1/4'' of sag even when the door id closed.
If possible, I'd like some help identifying what's wrong and how to fix it. One guy says it's the bushing in the door hinge and it can be replaced, one guy says just buy new door hinges and another guy (who MUST be freakin crazy) says to stick a 2 x 4 under the door and bend it till it fits right. Sure, that's a fine idea....................If you're a first class dipstick!
Thanks gents!




Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2008 - 09:08:46 PM »
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline Glennster

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2008 - 09:33:21 PM »
Is that the correct Item number for my 70 Challenger?

Offline Glennster

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2008 - 09:47:19 PM »
I just took a look at the hinges, would it be best to unbolt the door from the hinges to replace the hinge pins?

If I lift on the door, I feel some play in the door, I assume that play is in the hinges....................
I'll go take another look, this time I'll have one of the kids lift the door while I watch the hinge pins to see if there's some slop in there.

Offline DAYLEY/CHALLENGER

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2008 - 11:13:00 PM »
You must have some strong kids............these doors are heavy............. :bigsmile: :bigsmile:
Dave or David

Offline Glennster

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2008 - 11:38:32 PM »
You're darn right, we raise em' right.......... Here in Indiana, we eat corn and beef (some taters too), we're door liftin' fools!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Offline Bullitt-

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2008 - 04:15:43 AM »
I just took a look at the hinges, would it be best to unbolt the door from the hinges to replace the hinge pins?

If I lift on the door, I feel some play in the door, I assume that play is in the hinges....................
I'll go take another look, this time I'll have one of the kids lift the door while I watch the hinge pins to see if there's some slop in there.

I think that is a reasonable assumption...When replacing the lower bushing I have read that a little material must be removed from the hinge to get it to seat as the replacement bushings are a little different.

You may need more than one kid to hold on when you remove the door....very heavy.
Wade  73 Rallye 340..'77 Millennium Falcon...13 R/T Classic   Huntsville, AL
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Offline Super Blue 72

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2008 - 04:29:02 AM »
Have you tried adjusting the hinges?  If there is a little play, I would try adjusting the hinges to see if you can get the latch/striker to line up.  My car has body side mouldings so that helped lining up things.  I adjusted the hinges and the doors close well.  I didn't have too much play to begin with...
1972 Dodge Challenger Rallye 340, AT, Code TB3=Super Blue, SBD=8/17/1971.  Yes, a Rallye without the fender louvers from the factory because of the body side molding option.

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Offline Glennster

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2008 - 07:08:50 AM »
Super Blue 72,
 How do adjust the door hinges? Is it done with the hinge bolts that attach to the car?
I've got a jack stand/ motorcycle lift that I'll use to assist (with MUCH care) in lifting the door. I think I'll jury rig something with some 2 x 4's to create a nest for the door to sit in. If I bolt it to the lift and get some help from the kids (I've found that my wife is not a very good helper, LOL!!!!!!!!) I should be safe................

Offline torredcuda

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2008 - 07:10:09 AM »
If you can lift the door more than 1/4" the hinge pins are worn.It is much easier to take the door and hinges off so you can drill and install the new bushings and pins.
Jeff
72 Barracuda 340/4spd  Torred
70 roadrunner 383/auto  In-Violet
70 Duster 360/auto drag car  (Petty Blue soon)
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Offline Carlwalski

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2008 - 07:15:22 AM »


These doors truly suck. LOL Big fat whale fins........
1970 Dodge Challenger R/T
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Offline Glennster

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2008 - 07:38:09 AM »
I'd say the pins/bushings are worn out...
When you say '' drill '', what do you mean?
Do I have to drill out the old pins? It looks like they would be driven out from the bottom up. I thought I could drive them out with a punch and a hammer.
Help!

Offline Changin Gears

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2008 - 08:33:35 AM »
The part you drill is not the pin.  After you disassemble the hinge you out where the pin rides to install the bushing.
When I remove or install doors I have used a floor jack to support them.  I have only put the bushings in the driver’s door, the passenger doors never have gotten as much use.


The goal never changes - Stop the 60' timer with your back tires

Offline Katfish

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2008 - 08:53:12 AM »
I'm in the same situation, is the Napa option given above the best pin kit?  I'd like to get a Mopar specific kit if possible.  Any other advice on the install of the pins?

Offline ksierens

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Re: Need advise on door sag..............
« Reply #14 on: August 09, 2008 - 09:41:18 AM »
I got my hinge bushings from Advance Auto Parts, they are a Motormite product .  Had to have them order it, but they were only $10 for both sides.  And yes, you will need to drill out the hindge so that the new bushings will fit.
1970 Triple Black Challenger R/T  440 Six Pack - 4 Speed - 3.55 Dana
Kurt - SE Michigan