BROKEN HANDLE TO RECLINE SEATS ON 1999 S-10 EXTENDED CAB PICKUP

You may have a broken/disconnected release cable from the release handle to the lock mechanism. If there is no pressure on the release handle when you activate it a cable would be suspected. If handle feels like there is resistance on it ( cable connected ) try pushing back on the top of the seat while pulling the release handle. The cable could have some stretch and not release the latch properly

Mine broke too and I glued it back together with an epoxy made for plastics.

If you have the linkage there and it is working, Then the latch is broke. Replace it.

there recline on a seat is operate by a rod that goes the width of the seat and when handle is lifted the rod release's the cam that holds the seat back in position, the handle breaking has let the rod fall to the bottom of the seat back

It sounds like the inside of the recliner knob is stripped out. If you go to your local GM dealership and give them your VIN number they can order you a new one. Here is the removal and installation directions.
Driver or Passenger Seat Recliner Handle Replacement Removal Procedure

1. Use a flat-bladed tool to remove the plastic center cap from the center of the recliner handle.
   
   
2. Pull the recliner handle off the shaft.

Installation Procedure

1. Install the recliner handle on the recliner shaft.
   
   
2. Push the recliner handle firmly onto the recliner shaft until fully seated.
3. Install the plastic center cap into the center of the recliner handle.

Hope this helped please hit the accept button and positive feedback is appreciated.

I just had the recline of my driver seat go out today. What happened to mine was the interior plastic of the handle that wrapped around the release mechanism fell apart all I had to do was take the handle off. I used a small Crescent wrench to to pull the lever mechanism towards the trunk. The same direction the handle would of pulled it, and it made the chair recline I got it set to where I liked it and now I'm just going to use some bondo and put the handle back on. Most fixes doesn't require the entire assembly to be replaced and taking it to the dealership will just have them charge you for the entire price for the system regardless of how simple of a fix it actually was. I have saved my self thousands of dollars doing simple fixes my self, and if you have even the slightest amount of intellect you can do it too.

O'reily stocks a new handle that is especially made to replace the handle that broke. It attaches to the broken shaft you have sticking out of your seat. This is a common problem.

I TAKE IT YOU CAN'T USE TILT ON YOUR SEATS MOST LIKELY TO BE BROKEN CABLES YOU WILL REQ CABLES & BOTH SEAT HANDLES TO DO JOB OULD NOT RECOMMEND IT THOUGH AS ITS A PAIN OF A JOB TO DO.RECOMMEND BOOKING INTO LOCAL FORD DEALER AS THEY PROBABLY HAVE PARTS IN STOCK.

You should replace the handle with an aluminum version. The best one I have found is sold on eBay for 12 dollars.
Look for the one sold by mike8756.

It is easy to install, does not require removing any panels. Th first one I replaced took me about 1/2 hour. I hae done several since for friends and now takes about 15 minutes.

Installation instructions are here:

http://www.thirddoorhandle.com/installation/index.html

Good luck.
Tom

you can replace the recline lever assy without removing the seat