KrazyKen

Thought I'd share this information that solved a door rattle I've been having for over a year. This rattle would occur everytime I went over several bumps (rumble strips) and rough patches of road. Tried several things;

1. padding in the door panels = fail
2. installed subframe connectors = fail, but needed to do this anyways.
3. replaced door latch striker plate = SUCCESS!

I fixed mine with a used striker plate from a 98 Mustang purchased off of eBay. Also purchased new rubber bumpers (I had a few missing) from a local hardware store. Project cost me about $23.00 and used existing tools in my garage. Door rattle is now gone and door has more of a solid thud when closing.





Original striker plate from my 03 Mustang.





Replacement striker plate from 98 Mustang. No rubber bumpers included.





Installed 98 Mustang striker plate with new rubber bumpers.

Carolina Man

That is a great tip.

SteelerNation82

My 2000 has the ones with with the small bumpers like the 2nd photo.

I assume Ford de-contented them down the production run?

One less rattle for you to worry about at least.

KrazyKen

Yeah haha, I discovered a bunch more rattles and squeaks after fixing the door rattle. The door rattle was the loudest one when going over bumps. Not sure when they changed the door latch to the bumperless ones, bad idea on Ford's part if you ask me.