In a message dated 12/26/03 11:08:38 PM Eastern Standard Time,
wullrich@HOTMAIL.COM writes:

> My side door handle is extremely tough to move down to open the door, very
> few people other than myself can do it! I've tired injecting lithium grease
> and other lubricants via needle grease guns etc, but to no avail. Is there
> any other way to get it moving without disassembly?
>
> Wes
>

the 80-84 slider doors, handles, etc are notoriously hard to open..  thats
why the 80-84 handles always break off.. (theyre longer too, which doesnt help
their longevity) and the main reason they changed the sliding door design in
'85 to a much easier operating door on the 85-91 vans..   best i can say is to
remove sliding door panel, and lube the lock mechanism up, and the cable, and
the rear locking mechanism, as well as grease the track.

chris