Need opinions on this door latch

[jonmc56]

The fact that my driver door wouldn't latch reliably was making me crazy, so a while back I bought a new latch and new relay from a vendor who has a good reputation on here. Things are no better, maybe worse. I've tried various adjustment tips I've seen on here, with almost no difference. The only way I can get the door to latch consistently is to adjust it so that the door hangs out about 3/4" from the body when fully latched.
I finally started looking at the latch more closely, and noticed that the 'gear' (or whatever it's called) has quite a bit of play in it. I'm wondering if this play causes the door to latch initially, then back off enough to come unlatched.
Here's a video of the new latch and the amount of play:
Driver Side New Latch video

Here a video of the passenger side with the older/original latch. It has much less play as you can see, and this door latches fine.
Passenger Latch video

I assume I need to just toss this new latch and try again? Does anyone sell a decent quality latch? (I took a long time to install the latch, then fought with it for nearly a year, so it's way too late to try to return it).

Thanks in advance for any advice.
Jon

[BigBird05]

Have you tried to shut the door without the door seal in place? I have read that a lot of door latching problems are caused by the seal. Take the seal off and see if it makes any difference at all.

[Accelo]

After watching your video I would diffidently replace the latch.
I just purchased one for Classic Parts.
Item 18-531 for $47.95.
Sure seems to be better than the one you highlighted in your video.

[randy.powell]

There's nothing like NOS OEM parts... Expensive? Yes, I did the aftermarket stuff, it's crap!
RP

[jonmc56]

Originally Posted by Accelo

After watching your video I would diffidently replace the latch.
I just purchased one for Classic Parts.
Item 18-531 for $47.95.
Sure seems to be better than the one you highlighted in your video.

Thanks Accelo. Any chance you could try the same test I did in my videos, and let me know how much your new one moves compared to my new and old one? Would really appreciate it.

Originally Posted by randy.powell

There's nothing like NOS OEM parts... Expensive? Yes, I did the aftermarket stuff, it's crap!
RP

Thanks Randy. Got a source for an NOS OEM latch? I've had an eBay search active for about a year and haven't seen one come up yet.


Jon

[Accelo]

It will be Monday till I can get to it.
But I will check it out for you.

While I agree much of the aftermarket stuff is crap as you put it. Much of it is very good and sometimes better than original.
An example that comes to mind it the door sills. I have purchased them from GM back when and they didn't last long in our weather.
The aftermarket came out with Stainless sills. Look like new for years. The aftermarket is keeping many of the trucks alive and adding to their value.
I am the first to advertise bad parts as junk. But I also know that they are not all bad.
Rick