The door handle will work in the latch just fine.  The '85 and newer
handles aren't as long so don't have as much leverage as as the '80~'84
handles and the tail end extends more toward the body than the earlier
types.  One might have to trim a bit off in order to keep the newer
handle from dragging against the door metal of an earlier van.

The lock assembly can be swapped so the original key will still work,
though.

Mike
'84 GL 7 pass
'84 Westy
'84 Westy (parts donor)
'85 GL Westy

Miguel Pacheco wrote:
> Guys, my friend, Diane, is visiting Durango from Bend, Oregon, and needs
> the outside sliding door handle for her 81 Westy. I have a couple from an
> 85 and 86. Will these work?
>