Tailgate latch and handle — removal and installation
1. Remove the tailgate inner panel screws (see illustration).
26.1 Tailgate panel screws
2. Carefully pry the water shield from the inner panel enclosure.
3. Rotate the plastic retaining clips off the control rods and detach the rods from the handle (see illustration), and remove the bolts securing the latch handle to the tailgate.
26.3 Rotate the plastic retaining clips off of the rods to detach them from the handle levers and remove the bolts
A Plastic retaining clips for the actuator rods
B Two bolts secure the latch handle to the tailgate
4. Installation is the reverse of removal.
Tailgate latch
5. Lower the tailgate.
6. Remove the bolts securing the latch to the tailgate, then pull it out to disconnect the actuator rod from the latch (see illustration).
26.6 Remove the bolts to the latch
7. Installation is the reverse of removal.