How to Replace an Exterior Door Handle (Ford Ranger)

Today we replaced the driver's side exterior door handle on an '01 Ford Ranger. In the video I walk you through the process of the replacement. I also showed how to do this two different ways, in case you don't have access to a rivet gun.
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Dorman metal door handle 90691
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Dorman door lock rod clip 75450 (if it breaks...)
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Astro Pneumatic Tool 1600 16-Piece Punch and Chisel Set
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Crescent CT203 T20 screwdriver
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Astro Pneumatic hand riveter 1423
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Assorted Rivet Kit
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Gorilla clear double sided tape
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Due to factors beyond the control of NutsAndBoltsAuto, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications or improper use of this information. NutsAndBoltsAuto assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. No information contained in this video shall create a guarantee, expressed or implied, of a particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not NutsAndBoltsAuto

[@BigK_ThirdCoastReds]

Fan Freak'n-tastic.!!! Just broke the handle on my 2003 Ranger and 7 minutes later found your video. Absolutely grateful. Will be using stainless steel bolts and nylock-nuts, just because I don't have that big of a riveter. Thank you so much

[@robertmccafferty6056]

For those of you curious about the bolt size, I was able to use 1/4 in-20 x 1in (and the matching nuts were 1/4 in-20). Together they were less than three bucks at a big box store.

[@stevefavela9179]

You just saved me a couple of trips to the hardware store 🙏🏼

[@juliobermudez1135]

Sweet, I've got a bunch already. Definitely not gonna mess with rivets. Thanks.

[@larrymanire4496]

Thanx for the great video, saved me a ton of time trying to figure out how to replace the handle. It was so easy to follow. It's guys like you that make the internet a fabulous resource.

[@stefanbabic4450]

i swear, the only video worth watching

[@perryfrancis5981]

One of the best instructional videos I have seen.

[@teluvv66]

Thank you so much for your clear instructions, your details and specifics, and the camera angles. Outstanding!

[@kaptnkarl01]

Excellent video! I watched another video on this same fix and the guy showed how to remove the handle, very little on the interior panel removal and the inside of the door. An then MAGIC HAPPENED, and the handle was installed! Thank you very much for taking us all the way through the process!

[@albertflores6534]

Testified yesterday I was going for it. Mission accomplished. My door configuration externally was different. Once I got in, lines of sight were tricky. I had to stretch my eyes some and tape a flashlight inside. Video was crucial. Very satisfied.

[@PaulLandry-z4v]

Just wanted to you to know, after watching your video, I changed mine on a 2008 Ranger in just 30 minutes. THANK YOU!

[@claytonwilliams1850]

I got the button head hex type bolts that uses a 1/8 hex head allen wrench. Hope this helps someone. Thanks to all of you who contribute to our projects.

[@sjquin669]

Thanks I just tried it today

[@PhilGeissler]

I was kind of hoping to see you drill the old rivets out that you showed at the beginning of the video. Though I do appreciate you showing how to put the rivets back on, that was helpful.

[@saltracer1]

very good video, watched another first but this showed everything way better! thanks

[@steverose2192]

Great video. To the point, good instructions ,no wasted time listening to small talk. Good job

[@jrjimi7216]

Great info! my drivers side just broke yesterday. I just got the exact same Dorman handle today. Going to install later today. Thanks!

[@billclark1252]

Thanks! I was able to get the handle replaced,...had a bit of a time getting that linkage removed - but was successful! Video was instrumental , thank you!

[@mroberson44]

I like the idea of using bolts vs rivets. I received a quote from a mechanic for $145! I am going to try it myself!

[@albertflores6534]

Really the best video that i've found. Going for it.

[@nickinskeep]

Great video, was able to replace my passenger handle with unusual ease. Thanks bro!

[@robbiedefazio194]

Great video I was able to change mine with no problems keep them coming

[@IsNotAYahoo]

The instructions worked great; I used carriage bolt, flat washer, lock washer, nut, then nylon nut. Should stay in place and be easy enough to pull when I need to replace it.

[@MichaelLee2417]

Thanks for the video. I have had the dealership replace both doors once. This will be #2 on the Drivers side

[@Cdog628]

best easy to understand video for this job

[@S-Kidz]

Cool, that didn't seem too bad . I've never replaced a door handle before

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Yes sir, not bad at all. Maybe a 30min job, if all goes well.

[@abrahamarias3695]

Shorty?

[@atrox779]

Thanks for the video it saved me a big hassle.

[@crystabynum5372]

Thank you so much for this video! Is extremely detailed and informative! I was able to replace my door handle and change my mirror out at the same time and it didn’t take long to do it, thanks again..

[@Jacno77]

Thanks for the inside, clear video shots. Other videos just go ,"can't get in to see but it's a spring..."

[@ryonsdroid]

thanks. doing a door handle tonight. thing broke like 9 months ago. been going in through passenger side hahaha.

[@albertflores6534]

Tell me about it lol

[@sjquin669]

Same lol

[@blomegoog]

just got my replacement handles. will be doing this over the weekend and report back. thanks man!

[@utepminers909]

Best video I've seen so far, thanks!

[@abrahamarias3695]

This is where it’s at. Great vid bro thanks

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

No problem 👍

[@raiderman28]

i hate it when you have to do modifications on aftermarket parts, because they don't fit like the original. Original parts are more expensive, but less headache if you can find them. Great Video!!!

[@pwalms65]

Thank you man! I'll be doing this tomorrow.

[@VikkingoTCG]

Thank you guys

[@davidcohen2576]

Thanks for your video, it was simple to understand and follow and made my job so easy.

[@jacqpaloma]

Great instructions!

[@stanleyepperson2992]

Just what I needed! Thanks young man!

[@mariatorres9789]

Exactly what I need, tyvm.

[@jamescasper5854]

Thank you, I think I might be able to do it

[@kerrylyons278]

Did a great job explaining and I'll use bolts and nut on my handle ! Thanks

[@tomolson1320]

Very good explanation

[@slotrey]

And hereeee we go. Thanks.

[@nelliegarcia2237]

That's for the video it helped me alot

[@geturshinebox]

Thanks you helped me so much

[@oaks5777]

Thanks for the help!!!

[@dontchokesports6794]

Great easy to understand Good Job

[@animalmother8465]

Bruv, u saved me. Respect.

[@gearsbetweenears]

Thanks a Million! Major Help!

[@ozzyoz8421]

Worked great for me. Thanks for the video Thumbs Up!

[@thomas-marx]

Great video

[@wk3isme70]

Thanks dude thanks a lot

[@warneruselton429]

Where do I buy a outside door handle for a 2005 ford ranger pick up

[@beast_0012]

Instructions unclear my toaster is in the microwave

[@nathanm1783]

K

[@albertflores6534]

Go for it. DIY takes practice. good luck.

[@RatsoFatso]

Great vid ! Thanks bud !

[@ericcurtis7024]

Good job making this vid

[@downeastermaineusa3794]

Thanks great video. Perfect. But , too complicated for me. Ill keep opening it with a shoelace.

[@imkaraoke]

Thank you. With a little bit of work, I replaced my handle.

[@genesis7552003]

How do u get so good close ups??? I can barely see in there..

[@jjsupah]

Thanks!

[@TheBeanerNinja]

Thanks helped alot

[@michaelcasiquito1596]

Thank you, very helpful

[@anthonymontoya6346]

Good vid man!

[@taxiridefun]

Question? 95 ford ranger what is part number for the better door handle? And where do you find it? Your video showed everyrhing! I am so grateful!

[@onehitwarrior1708]

My ford ranger brothers and sisters 😂

[@antonioguerrero2720]

Excelent video..very helpful. thanks

[@UpcomingJedi]

Now, where do you buy the rivets and gun? Auto parts stores and lowes dont carry anything bigger than 3/16 both rivets and the tool. Whats wrong with using the old nuts and bolts?

[@celsodejesus7074]

Very Thankful

[@jasonoddo7016]

This is great

[@_JEBUS]

Pop rivets huh gotta love American engineering.

[@Allbbrz]

Thanks ! The best part for me is to know that you can drill out those pesky rivets and go with bolts !!! Just put a dab of thread lock or superglue and it can't be removed from outside without putting a wrench to lock the nut inside.

[@stevegrimes2788]

Great video, thanks a bunch.

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Glad you liked it!

[@ajaxxmaxx7296]

What size bolt and nut what installed before

[@tomboesiger6082]

I am trying to get the bottom of the hook off. My keeper is metal, not plastic. I dont see a place to pry on it. Any suggestions? Thank, Tom

[@2H2521]

6:32, deez bolts.

[@antonioguerrero2720]

Thanks..very helpful.. best regards..

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

you're welcome, thanks for commenting

[@armandoRocket]

I have a Ford Ranger 2000 I clicked on the link you have in the description, but when I went to amazon it says the handle doesn’t fix my truck. What other one you recommend? My truck has automatic windows

[@taxiridefun]

Do you know what material to use to replace that cover? Because mine95 ford ranger, all crumbling broken. Half crumbled? Also that clip that holds the rod for door. I can not figure out how to undo it. I cant even figure out how to pop it out of wherever it is screw driver doesnt seem to do a darn thing to unclip it? And you're the only video that even shows that clip none of the other videos on KZbin even show the clip they just say oh you got to get in there

[@Livingingrace]

Very helpful 👍

[@spoonerv1]

I tried this on my 93 ranger. Took the door apart to install the new handle and that wasn’t even the problem. I broke the small plastic piece that the bar fits into so I need a video for that lol

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Pull (or push) the plastic clip out with some needle nose pliers. You may need this as well (affiliate link): amzn.to/2VuoVCP

[@taxiridefun]

Those clips won't work for the rod those clips are for the door locked not the rod for the external door handle nobody knows what that clip is called or where you can even find one or how you even get it out of there

[@STVTES]

Hahaha @3:53 it gets all rough like the Russian guy in The movie Armageddon 😂🤣

[@christopherbrennan5287]

Pro trick : you can watch series at kaldrostream. Been using it for watching loads of movies recently.

[@boonematias4131]

@Christopher Brennan yea, have been using KaldroStream for since december myself :D

[@anthonydilligaf823]

You said you used 1/4" hardware?

[@markover]

Yeah, use bolts on your truck and rivets on the other guys. Someone's gonna have to drill that out if the handle ever breaks again. Great video though. Made things a little easier. Had to use a Dremel and a hammer and chisel to get the old rivets out. Hole punch just wouldn't work.

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Being the original door handle already means someone's gonna have to drill the rivets out. I don't really think one is better than the other, unless you want to keep the vehicle as original as possible. The owner of the vehicle wanted to use rivets on his, I decided to use bolts on mine. Rivets are harder to tamper with.. but there's easier ways to break into these trucks anyway. Thanks for watching!

[@vincentwalker9341]

What size nut and bolt? And length?

[@draege626]

Part #s, head diameter of the rivets, tools used would be extremely helpful. Great video though, very accurate on the proper way to replace the part.

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Thanks for the input! I've updated the description with parts used and tools. I had mentioned the diameter of the rivets in the video (0:54)

[@fdgd9998]

Is the manual different than the electric version and if it is, do u have instructions for it's repair?

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

I think the only thing that changes is that you have to deal with the controls. Just pull them out, and remove the connectors. Then remove the door panel.

[@HookAndChainDesigns]

I'm replacing my passenger handle on a Ranger I bought used from the tow yard. The handle was missing and so is the linkage, I got the new handle. Do you know the part number for the linkage between the handle and door latch? Thanks

[@bradenakery8415]

My dad bought a 2006 Ford ranger and one handle is broke completely off and the other one is broke from the cables or whatever opens the door with the handle and the windows are rolled up and keys are locked inside the truck and I want to know how to know how to open this door without the keys cuz the keys are locked in the truck

[@potionWhiteTiger]

I have to replace the passenger side door handle for the third time I guess the weather play a lot of apar of it

[@taxiridefun]

And I don't even know what the name of that clip is? In case need to get one? the only clips I see for sale are for the lock?

[@brepyan7972]

Omg thank you sooo freaken much I LOOOOVE my ford rangers (I actually own 2...a 1999 ford ranger sport and a 2001 xlt ford ranger) both have alot a work to be done on them but the latest problem was on my sport being up there in age n all both her door handles (factory mind u) and yes I refer my sport as a her and xlt as a him thank u got pulled off will this video still be relevant in situation? Like I'll send pic so ull have better idea but I really want to fix her the right way

[@doge8676]

Can we just start off with the window all the way up??

[@integrity1969]

What size nut and bolt

[@silverdragontaylir8252]

Genius

[@floridaoutdoordiscoveries8301]

thanks for the video it helped me

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

You're welcome!

[@MinimalistPhotog]

This metal handle will not fit In my 95 ford ranger

[@danielbrantley6158]

And this is why I hate new cars! Thanks for the vid!

[@ShakespeareCafe]

You should have installed a metal shield to prevent thieves from breaking in through the door handle with a metal rod

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Thats a good idea, but these trucks are very easy to break into. It'll take much more than that to stop thieves. It's at least a good step in the right direction, thanks for the suggestion 👍

[@bgd8135]

What do you do if your he handles not Brocken but the bar fell off and the plastic came with it 😂

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

The plastic piece broke? Here's the replacement: amzn.to/3sBO4JP

[@bgd8135]

@@NutsandBoltsAuto ok Thankyou so how would you put the plastic back into the latch

[@bomorris5050]

NIIIIIIIICE... instead of just using the screws and bolts, you used a rivet and messed up the new handles.

[@taxiridefun]

Okay here's the problem it'll slide into the door but the metal piece will not lay flat under any circumstance of the matter what you do it will not lay flat so you can rivit it or use screws

[@fishingfreaks192]

Where did you buy this door handle?

[@wk3isme70]

Rockauto.com has 15 versions plastic - metal