Are the factory seat belts supposed to lock and catch if you jerk real fast like a modern vehicle? Mine don't, didn't know if they were broke or to old.

 

They should lock. If you are looking for a replacement, Corbeau makes a good retactable seatbelt that is an easy bolt-in. They are only $80 too

 

Yup, only way a seat belt keeps you in the seat.

 

clicky >>> Corbeau http://www.racing-seats-usa.com/43321b.html



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do both sides fail? or just driver's side?

 

Both sides failed. That's why I questioned if they actually locked. For now I'm at least gonna buy a drivers side one from that link Corey shared.

 

I have gotten them to work before just by carefully taking the covers off and using some WD-40 after giving them a good cleaning and using an air gun to get the dust out.

The lubricant they use in them just kind of gunks up from my experience.

 

Thanks Terry! I will have to try that first.

 

Make sure you have a good firm grip on things and slowly proceed to each step. There is a spring that you dont want to unspring itself and also make sure the ball bearing doesnt get away from you. It is a large ball and would be easy to find but just to make you aware of it.

It has been a long time since I worked on one but that ball bearing is what locks the seat belt roll or something to that effect.

Some of the things I remember doing is removing the assembly out of the truck and then clamping the seat belt fastner in my vise and you can stretch it to a comfortable distance to work and even down to the ground if need be. Once I got the covers off, there is a sawblade style gear that the ball bearing sits into.

I think there is pins that the ball bearing pushes against that lets the roller operate but centrifical force move the ball bearing out of the way and that is what locks the assembly. It has been a while, but I think dust and lint just get into the gears and that is what causes the issues.