How to Replace the Door Handles on your 97-06 Jeep Wrangler TJ

[@rossdewbre6685]

Wow, he really, really skims right over the "we can go ahead and install those two gator pins...." without even a hint of how to get them in. By far the toughest part of the entire job. Really kills an otherwise excellent tutorial. I first was trying to get them in while holding the handle tight against the door, but there wasn't enough clearance to get them in parallel with the door/handle and then push them down. I found a combination of putting the front one in the handle in loose before putting the handle in the door and then pulling the handle away from the door a little while reaching in from the inside to line up and then drop the rear pin worked much, much easier.

[@twofortyz1719]

The only reason I watched this video was for the gator pin install. Lol.

[@Lifeofanrcaddict]

Total pain in the but

[@twofortyz1719]

With a hole saw just drill a 1-1/2” hole and then slide the gator clip in and knock it down. Mint

[@Lifeofanrcaddict]

The reinstall part of this video was terrible. 😆 also why does it seem like the door handles are in backwards? Just doesn't feel natural to me for them to go forward.

[@pd1473]

His knuckles aren't scraped up enough to have done this job. Takeoff was easy enough, installation of the forwardmost gator clip and cotter pin for the lock rod was tough. With the window rolled up, I drilled a 1" inch hole in the door near the cotter pin and forward gator clip. If you drill a hole, be cautious of not drilling into the window or other components of the door. I was able to get a flathead screwdriver through the hole to seat the clip, and view the area to get the cotter pin back in (I used curved needle nose pliers to put it in place).

[@HereForAStorm]

I'm glad to see I'm not the only one who had so much trouble with the gator clips. Moses!

[@roctreese5371]

This is a very good instructional video. There's no bs talking about his dogs, family, etc, just straight to the point video on how to get the job done. Great job!

[@markwiseman7597]

Informative video. I agree with others that setting the gator clips is a real challenge. With the clips in place, rolling down the window and "unclipping" the window seal at the door about half the length of the door gives access to put a screwdriver against the top of the gator clip. Then you can use a mallet to tap the screwdriver and push the gator clip into place.

[@JoseMendoza-hope]

I will try that tomorrow... thanks for that bit of info.

[@oggearhound2242]

@12:57 why did you guys skip the details about putting those gator-pins back? seems like a key point to show us DIYers! BTW always lube locks and lock/latch mechanisms with SILICONE lube.. wd40 attracts and holds DUST which will gum it up. And while you're in there, lube the window crank mechanism and glass channels with SILICONE spray as well.

[@Quadratec]

At 12:00 Rob covers how to install the gator pins in the backside of the door handles. With it being so far up in the door, there's really no easy way to show it while actually putting them in place. Great advice with the Silicone lubricant for the door looks / latch and the window crank!

[@Lifeofanrcaddict]

It involved cussing. 😆

[@craigb9119]

Thanks for the video. Important to note the Quadratec door handles come with the gator clips on the handle - just slip the pins back down the sides. No need to try and salvage the old clips.

[@timothyfuhrman9307]

I love my 97 wrangler I bought it in 1999 30k miles.. I’m on my way back from the moon. The jeep has traveled 265934 miles and still moving on.. The engine has been replaced along with some other high used equipment, it’s still running great.. My door is now the problem and after watching your videos I was able the change out the lock latch door handle and interior door handle as well. Thank you for sharing and not saying that simple word “Easy “ Nothing easy when you have never tackled a project like fixing your jeep door. Ha This Is why I appreciate you!😉

[@michaelweaver7683]

You Sir are a Sorcerer!…my passenger door lock hasn’t worked in 2 years..the “pearl” of wisdom about the PB Blast worked perfectly! Thanks a million!

[@robertwestall3456]

Please read it’ll save you a headache. Great video, only two things to mention. First, the gator clips can be finagled into place and tightened from the top after rolling the window back down. Place a rag between the glass and whatever long screw driver your using to drive them home or tight. Roll the window back up to finish the install. Second, test the door handle lock mechanism before closing the door, very important. Use a screwdriver blade to get the mechanism to lock as if the door was shut. See if the outside door handle will open the door. If you don’t do this you may not get your door open with either the inside or outside handles effectively locking the door with no way to open it. There has to be positive back pressure on the rod going from the outside door handle to the opening mechanism. If there is any slack in that rod the mechanism will not open and if you’ve put the door cover back on and shut the door your in trouble. The only thing you can do to get the door open is to cut the hoop on the doorframe to open the door. I personally found this out the hard way on my 2000 TJ. Lots of cussing and had to buy a hoop. Make sure and adjust that rod so there is no slop in it.

[@dpommerenck]

Great tip!!! 😂

[@cra1gf]

That was fantastic. Thanks to everyone. The production was excellent. The information and the way it was presented was superb. Thank you!

[@brynecreekmore3570]

Well I’m going to tell it like it is…. Getting those gater pins back in aren’t as simple as he makes it sound. Everything else is pretty much straight forward. Just show how you got the gaters in tight enough to engage those small clips

[@LowEndBCC]

That last cotter pin…. Putting it back in was so tough. I stripped a trim panel screw and lost or destroyed 9 cotter pins…. But I got it done! That you for this vid

[@tripleseven8361]

Top notch, easy to follow, step-by-step instructions… Thank you!!

[@paulkaufman4901]

Awesome demonstration for removing and reinstalling the door panel! I have always struggled with this thinking it is almost magic to get it back on! You made my work today So Much Easier!!

[@whitebeltfury1074]

genuinely what a fantastic video so much detail and nothing left to the imagination, i now feel confident to undertake this, thank you !!!

[@Quadratec]

Great to hear!

[@arreya]

Thank you so much for this video! I've been meaning to replace the rusted handles on my '99 TJ!

[@Unfinishedprojects1994]

Best advice I can give is to pop out that outer window seal you can peel it back and see the 5 or so metal clips. Pop those out and the access is much much better.

[@lisadefrank]

Would not have been able to replace my door handles without this video, thank you!

[@Jeeptalkshow]

I would have rolled the window all the way up and position the window handle where it doesn't ride on your knee. :(

[@mrvincentmontoya]

Yup!

[@jodygarcia9892]

That becomes one of those ill fix it later and later never comes

[@erikcaldwell2913]

I bet this guy never even gets frustrated at the most difficult jobs👊🤓👍

[@DuelingTreeMike]

Great video! I have an ‘06 LJ and would love to replace the handles and the inner door panels. Do you also have the door panels?

[@frj1996]

If only it was as easy to do as he makes it look. My paws barely fit in there and those alligator clips don’t go in as easy as it looks…

[@oggearhound2242]

oh yeah, i just watch the video and seen how he totally skipped the details on installing those gator-pins.. I've done a lot of door repairs in my life, but never this one. I knew immediately when he was showing how the gator-pin goes in, that it wasn't going to be easy.

[@buccaneerbaytravel]

Editing, my guess is they took the window out for the gator clips and the cotter pin. Neglect to mention or show that part

[@tattootony73hurrell78]

Just did mine . NO !!! ABSOLUTELY NOT ! do not ne fooled those alligator clips are a fight ! I said enough cuss words for 10 people and made new ones . Lol

[@jimmyvalhalla1939]

I want Quadratec to use their considerable stroke in the industry to get these door handles MADE OUT OF STAINLESS STEEL…

[@roygrassinger7841]

Great video great 👍people working for you guys

[@brisonpalmer6730]

Great video guys I’m having problems with my door locks on my 06 LJ now I know how to fix them.

[@redhusker58]

It's not super difficult but in no way is it as simple as he makes it look. Just take your time and you'll get through it with no issues. The old paddles will no way fall out after removing them. Mine is a very clean '04 and getting those out was a bit tougher that I thought it would be. Hint, buy a pair of long right angle needle nose pliers before you start if you don't already have a set. Harbor Freight is a great place to pick them up cheap. I already have a pair and they really came in handy sliding the gator pins back in and securing them, mainly due to the working height. Only thing I would recommend if your tall like me (6'5") take the door off and lay it on a work bench or table to do the work. Would have been much easier for me. I bought the window crank tool and worked just as described. I've already used it for some other projects so not a waste of money.

[@mattmurdock7919]

That's as well done as an part install video can be! Thank you!

[@cl0wnbird]

you can flip the clips around on your new handle and then insert the gator pins from the bottom.

[@scottwallace1332]

The "cotter" pin replacement is the toughest part of the whole project, I relearned and used some of those adjectives getting the pin reinstalled. Otherwise great video. Thx. (BTW, mine is a 2000 TJ)

[@Quadratec]

Yes, that cotter pin can be tough!

[@RMVZ58]

great tutorial, thanks man!

[@daniellaverty1359]

He’s kinda right about removing door panel.. there is a tool for removing those retainers, and if you finesse the retainers, you can not only save them, but prevent a brittle door panel from cracking.

[@dustinmcgill9622]

Need to replace mine and order a kick down cable from you guys

[@tedwoe]

So far all the videos I've watched on replacing the door handles seem to breeze right over the most difficult part...how to put the alligator shims and the cotter pin back into place without torching the Jeep, your house, and the neighborhood!!! I tried replacing the passenger side handle on my '01 TJ ...what a nightmare!! It turned into a 3 1/2 hr job. I ended up buying a pair of long needle nosed pliers that were curved on the end just so I could get a grip on the shims and pull them down snug. I got the right one in place, never could get the left one snugged down....there is absolutely ZERO maneuverability to put your hand up in there and grab anything. I think the only way I can do it is to cut out that rectangular shaped indentation on the inner door frame to allow me access.

[@Jaskal33]

After watching several tube videos …. Getting the gator pin in place with its retainer to drop in place isn’t as easy as it’s portrayed to be … I did have to ‘modify’ my gator pins …. So they dropped down far enough … and I’m still not sure the clip for them has dropped into the correct position on on of the gator teeth …

[@odoroussmegma2191]

Thanks Robert.

[@tedjordan9038]

Great video Rob. It shows exactly what to do. Now, if you could only make a video about wives.

[@rjsuper6587]

Thank you! I have new handles was dreading the install lol

[@jontrudell7529]

How long did it take you to install them? You did install them by now haven't you? LOL

[@michelleharris8622]

Have you made a video on how to replace a tailgate handle on a 2003 Jeep Wrangler? If not, a video would be much appreciated. Not sure how to disconnect the thin medal arm from the clip without damaging it. Thanks!

[@jerrywhalen2100]

Do you have a video on replacing the weather seal around the side windows on a TJ. the bottom window seal is rolling over when i crank the window down

[@dustinparrish8453]

Try using a car polish to keep the window seal from sticking to the window “New Finish” brand car polish, it also works on windshields to keep the wipers from jumping and squeaking.

[@jerrywhalen2100]

Thanks Dustin I'll give it a shot

[@vettdog]

Can you swap these square door handles to a newer model doorhandle?

[@bajadan6441]

I just sanded them down - taped a round them - painted the with black rustoleum ....

[@Quadratec]

That's a great way to improve their cosmetic appearance, but it the return spring or internal mechanism is broken spray paint won't fix the problem. Glad it worked for you though!

[@skeetermartini]

Could you guys do “how to change door locks”. All the videos out there are crap quality and I feel like you guys could do a great video on that.

[@timpeterson87]

I’ll be sure to wear my safety glasses too.

[@Quadratec]

Safety First!

[@AtelierMarsViolet]

Were the Quadratec-brand replacement door handles used in this video?

[@robgirantino8843]

What size/kinda screws hold the door panel and the grab handle on

[@JoseMendoza-hope]

Extremely helpful! Thanks to this video replacing the door handles in my wrangler was easy.

[@eastons22126]

This video does a good job explaining the process but as everyone else said, those gator pins are a nightmare. 1. it’s difficult to get them in place and 2. Locking them takes an act of God. I have medium large hands so by no means giant. I assume many wrenchers have large hands. So to get in there itself is so cumbersome but even if you manage to get them in place the act of pulling them down into lock is challenging, you can basically get a single finger to get leverage and then you need to push the handle from the outside to make sure it’s tight against the frame and then you need to press on the inside of the door to counter the outside pressure. That’s at least 3 pressure points. So why don’t you just say that you need a second person to help? I actually got a 2 by 4- propped it against my front tire and wedged it against the new door handle to act like a second person, and then used my shoulder against the door- which had the weather strip goo, then of course I’m sticking my arm in there blind at a weird angle and even then it wouldn’t budge. I tried a pick- didn’t work. I made finger armor where I wrapped my finger in duct tape and then taped a penny for additional strength- I’m not kidding- I might patent that- if it worked. I fabricated a long pull device that was about a foot long with a hook on the end so I could pull using my entire arm strength- no joy. Perhaps I’m a big puss. I was aggravated like so many others. I then searched for other videos and found them no better- and then I thought- man I wish I could push down but the dang window is in the way… THAT is the quickest solution. Find a video on how to remove the window in 10 minutes and push the pins down from above. Once I removed the window it took 30 seconds to push each gator pin into place. When I did the opposite door I was able to easily remove and replace the cotter pin, easily place the new gators, and was easily done start to finish in literally half an hour. Gotta remove the windows or you will be an angry Jeeper.

[@BerniesBastelBude]

i'm wondering how to get the cutter-pin in again? -> 13:08

[@joejoyce5966]

Cotter pin

[@BerniesBastelBude]

@@joejoyce5966 cotter pin cutted into my finger

[@jones_edition]

Nice

[@kidgokuxl]

Whatever happened to project Pearl Jam? Does it still have the supercharger on it?

[@waunm128]

Is the same install for the half door paddle lock version for 2004 tj?

[@CaptainKenny696]

Couldn't you install the rod and cotter pin before inserting the handle?

[@robhdez5048]

Hi, great job. Do you have the part # for panel clips that would fit a '98 TJ, or will the ones used in this video work? Thanks!

[@Quadratec]

The ones in this video should work: www.quadratec.com/p/crown-automotive/6504014-door-panel-fastener-wrangler-tj-cherokee-xj do yours look the same?

[@LoggyTonight]

Anyone know if you can put modern handles instead of the paddle handles ? Not a big fan of them

[@tomhubbard353]

I HATE my TJ paddle handles! They are backwards as to how they should be! Does anyone know of a company that has a handle that opens in the opposite direction? I have been contemplating how to fabricate handles that work correctly, but It's a LOT of time, trial and error so I have not done it.

[@skully1405]

They are designed that way on purpose, so they won't catch on anything on the trail and pop the door open.

[@tomhubbard353]

@@skully1405 That sounds more like urban legend. The handles could have been oriented like the half doors in a downward position and they would be WAY better! It would be rather magical to see a stick or some other trail obstacle get in behind the paddle, pry it open and not destroy the door it's self. I am contemplating removing them completely and grafting in some from a JK. Weld a "divit" into the panel like on a JK, basically make the door look exactly like a JK using JK parts. But I have not been inside of a JK door yet to see if I can adapt the"throw" to the TJ.

[@Laugh1ngboy]

use a rag to remove window cranks.

[@kyleharris3]

Why didn't you show us the 3hours it took you to get the wedge back into the groove on either side of the handle?

[@Quadratec]

Hey, Rob's a pro! (ok, maybe it took him a few tries) 😂

[@davidb1132]

I’ve tried replacing my wife’s drivers side handle twice now (two different handles), and neither worked. It looked liked the rod that is pulled up with the cotter pin, wouldn’t pull up far enough. I had NO issues with the passenger side door handle though. Any thoughts?

[@jontrudell7529]

LUBE it up! Did you ever get it figured out and fixed?!?

[@Jaskal33]

This is pretty much a key element to getting these things in correctly …. No videos have enough of this close up ‘action’ to show how they should sit and be … new weather seals obviously create a bit more pressure … but where is the clip against the gator supposed to sit … I could barely get the gator in to the first notch on the clip after modifying the gator…

[@jontrudell7529]

Do you have an update, how did it work out for you?

[@lisaengland1048]

Ooh I can't wait to take apart my new jeep door panel. There 20,years old . The lock is sloppy . Hard to open. 💚Get clips . And I can reach my tiny hand in there to put the rod back on . And not forget the washer . 😂😂. Ya know . I'm new at jeeping . . Jeep is nessary. In jeep county. Mud abundance.😳😳😳😳. It's made for mud right .?.

[@bobbybyers9733]

It provided a lot of information thank you now I need to know what all parts to replace all the parts except the rods text me please with a parts list and names screws for panel also thank you so much

[@rpe7418]

There's an entire mechanism on this handle assembly where the panel opens that doesn't exist on my 2001 tj

[@robertbennett6126]

That small cotter pin is a bitch to get back in. Everything else is pretty easy. Edit: That cotter pin holding the locking bracket can come up through bottom hole, instead of trying to go in through the top hole. Stupid, should’ve thought that 2 hours ago.

[@oscarbear7498]

I tried doing this and broke my door :/

[@chrissmith7364]

This is a great video to post! 👍 Only thing is, your about 6 years too late 😄

[@12Bravojeepstuff]

Looks like my wife's LJ.

[@rickbailey8697]

Come on. How did you get the Alligator clips in??? Impossible. You just glossed over it. No way you just popped them in LIES 😢

[@richardblazek4780]

Sorry, can't watch info mercials

[@jontrudell7529]

Ur 🌈 AF!!!

[@vocalchords88]

Extremely misleading. Don't even try to do this unless you want to end up in an insane asylum.

[@georgeallen5661]

That is waaaaay too much fkng work. Just take it to a mechanic

[@Quadratec]

Yes, this is an involved install, but you can do it!

[@mrmike115]

Thanks jeep for making junk.