i'm taking apart the front doors on my 97 four door manual everything I've got all the screws and such but I can't quite figure out how to get the door handle assembly out. any tips?

 

There's a retaining clip holding the door handle. You can stick a small screwdriver in there and push it out but I recommend going to advance auto and buying the tool to do it. It's five bucks and will save you a headache trying to get it back in.

Ask me how I know...

 

I'm assuming you are speaking of the assembly that houses the lock lever and the door handle. This part does not come off the door panel. Remove the panel then reach around behind and release the clips holding the rods to the respected levers. Kind of a tight squeeze but doable. The housing is held to the panel via melted plastic studs. Really dont want to break those.

 

thanks i was able to get it last night i just for got to post that i did