Door striker question

[Toad455]

Does anybody know if the factory door strikers on a 78 came with no bushings or do all have bushings from the factory. I've known this truck since new and nobody has worked on it but me and the strikers have no bushings. I'm asking because maybe they wore out and fell off? (I don't remember). I see the replacements have bushings that appear to be plastic, nylon, delrin, or something like that. Thanks.

 

[Grit dog]

Use 1/2” Pex pipe. Works great.

 

[bucket]

Yes, they originally had bushings.

I agree about the pex pipe. You don't even have to remove the striker. Just put a slice in it and pop it around the striker. It stays put just fine.

 

[Grit dog]

And if you want one step better, shim the bottom door hinge. It’s probably sagging. That’s why it hangs up on the striker.
They really work nice when they don’t drag at all.
And it’s free or like $12 if you buy real body shims.

 

[mibars]

They all should have bushings. Strikers can and should be adjusted to make the doors close correctly, otherwise you'd wear a bushing or a PEX tube prematurely. I managed to cut through a PEX tube on a sagging door.

 

[Toad455]

And if you want one step better, shim the bottom door hinge. It’s probably sagging. That’s why it hangs up on the striker.
They really work nice when they don’t drag at all.
And it’s free or like $12 if you buy real body shims.

Thanks. I just rebuilt the hinges with new pins and oversize bushings and I'm adjusting the doors. The bare cab is on a stand so I can get to the bolts easy. The doors are closing good now with no slack and that's with no bushings on the strikers. I guess they fell off over the years but I sure don't remember ever seeing any. I'll get some PEX and see how much better it gets.

 

[bucket]

Thanks. I just rebuilt the hinges with new pins and oversize bushings and I'm adjusting the doors. The bare cab is on a stand so I can get to the bolts easy. The doors are closing good now with no slack and that's with no bushings on the strikers. I guess they fell off over the years but I sure don't remember ever seeing any. I'll get some PEX and see how much better it gets.

It's easiest to get proper door adjustment without the strikers installed. That way you know for sure that the strikers are not raising or lowering the door as it closes and latches. Once the door is adjusted perfectly, install the strikers and adjust them so that proper door alignment is maintained.

 

[WWOLFE68]

bought these off ebay in July and work great