I've replaced the driver's side twice and ready to tear into the passenger side for a second replacement. (My `94 VDP only has 31,000 original miles.) I am not alone, many stories and advice on door handle replacement. One thing I noticed is that the latching is stiff - takes a lot of pull to open, which may accelerate the breakage on the handles. I know a firm door close is nice, but the rubber door seal may stiffen over time, making the latching too firm. Has anyone played around with the latching post position, and greasing to lessen the stress on the handles? I would be interested in any success stories, since it would be a lot easier and cheaper than replacing door handles.

 

From my experience (on my car) The doors should open very easily and smoothly. You might want to check the striker alignment and see if the door has sagged at all possibly due to a worn hinge.

I'm in the same club and just replaced the drivers door handle on my XJ and I try to keep them clean and lubed.

 

As Jeh posted alignment and adjustment is critical. The handles are a brittle metal and their biggest failure is in the winter where frosting of mechanisms hender use. Lube and make sure adjusted to a touch. Someone had a remanufactered handle that is somewhat stronger, but adjustments were still critical.