Replaced my driver's side door hinge today

[My98RT10]

Known story: spring broke off a couple of months ago. Was thinking to get a used hinge, however, came to the conclusion that there's a good chance that the spring of a used hinge might brake soon, too. So I finally decided to buy a complete new hinge. 230,- $US on the internet.

Installed it today, following instructions I found on different Viper forums to swap it with the door remaining in closed position on the car. Was a fairly easy task. All you need is a 1/2" wrench and a T40 Torx socket. Although I marked the position of the old hinge with masking tape and installed the new hinge in the same position, I had to adjust the door quite a bit until it closed fine.

Over time, you forget about how convenient it is when the doors stays open, regardless how level the ground is... ;-)

Here are some pics:

[daveg]

Not sure if you knew but they make a repair kit as well.
Congrats on the repair!

[dave6666]

Not sure if you knew but they make a repair kit as well.
Congrats on the repair!

The kit is temporarily NLA.

[My98RT10]

Yeah, I knew, but I didn't fancy spending quite some money on just a few springs. Also, I couldn't find any reviews as to how far they work. I hope, the new hinge/spring will last another 18 years lol.

[71firebird400]

Looks good. Any trick to getting it aligned or did you just do a lot of trial and error?

[My98RT10]

I applied the towel method, meaning I put a towel unter the door (door 80% closed) which kept it up and tightend the screws. Then carefully opened the door, removed towel and checked clearance an closure. This I had to do maybe 3 times until it was fine.

[71firebird400]

I applied the towel method, meaning I put a towel unter the door (door 80% closed) which kept it up and tightend the screws. Then carefully opened the door, removed towel and checked clearance an closure. This I had to do maybe 3 times until it was fine.

Good to know; thanks.

[Geronimo]

Are these available or just have to find some floating around on the net?

[My98RT10]

Are these available or just have to find some floating around on the net?

If you are referring to the hinges, they are available at any Mopar dealer (on- or offline) ;-)