FNG here, first post.....

Truck is a 2002 B3000 Extended Cab Dual Sport.

And yes, I did search first, nothing like my issue popped up.

My passenger side door latch (interior part, not the striker) just barely releases at the top 'of the stroke' of the handle. And it just dawned on me that I don't know if the problem exists from inside or not.... But on the outside, it's almost unnecessary to lock it as it seems it is not going to open but at the last moment, completely lifted handle, it releases. It's odd that the drivers door, replaced from a '93, opens easily and smoothly with just the lightest touch.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum

You will need to remove the door panel to have a look inside.
It reads like the "release" bars inside are bent so neither release handle is getting full travel to release the latch

LMC Truck is a good site to look at the inner working and to get parts

This page has the door handles and bars: Truck Parts and Truck Accessories

It could be the latch itself but I don't see your year listed there, may be a wrecking yard part.

Rangers and Mazda B-series use the same parts in the same years

Also check that the door striker is aligned with latch, could be latch is opening as it should but striker is out of alignment so doesn't release until max travel of latch

 

Thanks, RonD

I've had the panel off, thought there might be an adjustment but couldn't find any. Panel is easy to remove, just hard to see inside the door but having the parts 'blow-up' from UMC will help. I've seen lots of the latches in the Pick-n-Pull, might just grab one next time and give it a try along with the rod. I did check and the latch works fine from inside indicating a rod problem rather than a latch problem I'd guess.

BTW, my B3000 only lacks the insignias to be a Ranger.

 

Sorry I read inside and outside both didn't release until pulled all the way.

Yes, if inside release works the same as drivers side then problem will be in outside handle or its bar.
Could be lever inside, part of the handle, is bent/cracked
Common issue on tailgate lease handle

And yes, usually just insignias and grills are different

 

Well I got another look inside the passenger's door and see what the problem is but not exactly how to fix it (I put a 'band aid' on it):

There is about 1/2" play in the slot where the activating rod attaches to the outside handle, allowing the handle to rotate up too far before the rod is activated. I think there should be a keeper of some type on the upper end of the rod as there is on the lower end. The keeper there is white plastic and I'm unable to get it loose to remove the rod and maybe put a little less bend in it. So I put an old screw into the slot above the rod to eliminate most of the slop and it works much better now. If the screw falls out, it wont hurt anything, will just go back to like it was.

Verbosity is a fault.....I guess I'm asking if there is supposed to be a clip on the upper end and how one to get the clip loose on the lower end.

 

Had the same problem on my 98. Both doors open hard from outside. Then drivers side handle broke. I replaced the handle and now works like new. The plastic where the rod connects to the handle gets wore out making it a farther pull on the rod. There is no clip where rod goes through handle( 2003 may have one), just the clip that goes into the striker mechanism. Those clips usually break when you pull them out so order Doorman door lock rod clip #75451.
Real easy job to replace handle. There is a video on You tube on how to do it.