How do I remove this part of my rear liftgate? v.fixingRUST Other RUST problem areas?

[seeking3rdgen]

I moved to a northern city that uses salt and now I have a little bit of rust on my rear liftgate. In order to fix it properly, I need to remove the piece highlighted in red. Can anyone help?

What are the other problem areas for body rust on the 4th gens? I'm trying to keep mine as rust free as practical since I want to drive it for at least the next 5 years!

 

[Beater]

Thread:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/44240-removing-rear-license-plate-panel.html

Ok, If the 2003/2004 is the same as the 2006 you need to remove the backboard:
1. REMOVE BACK DOOR SERVICE HOLE COVER LH (See page 75-39 )
(a) Remove the assist strap hole cover.
(b) Remove the assist strap assy RH.
(c) Remove the back door trim panel.
(d) Remove the service hole cover LH.
2. REMOVE BACK DOOR GARNISH SUB-ASSY OUTSIDE
(a) Remove the 6 nuts.
(b) Disengage the 2 clips by pulling the garnish, and remove the garnish.

 

[Beater]

....

Back Door Garnish

 

[seeking3rdgen]

Thanks for the quick response. I was afraid I'd have to take apart the inside... mine is full of sound deadening sheets and foam.

 

[4Runrrun'n]

Have had our 2004 since new and she has spent her whole life in harsh salt and gravel spewn roads and I am happy to say the body has been very/near totally rust resistant. Undercarriage not so much but nothing of any concern unless one wants to remove any of those undercarriage bolts. I've broke more than one installing my skids and rescue points. Front suspension mod were a pita after 9 years spent stock. Have yet to be able to remove the front strut/lower a-arm bolt; will have to cut that sucker off when time comes to change those...which is on the list.

Of note, however, I will say the back side doors at the very bottom corner on the INSIDE. Crud spins off of the rear tires and gets in there and sits there. When washing I always open the doors and give them a quick spray off. I have sprayed mine with Plasti-dip to protect it; but thats just me... (picture included pointing at the area)

I have noticed on other 4th gens rust on top of the back gate. I have only noticed this on ones without the rear spoiler. Spoiler either protects this area or rust starts around the cut opening for the top rear break light (which is in the spoiler on ones so equipped instead of in the back gait itself)

Also watch under the tip of the rear wiper as salt and water etc drips off of here to the gait body even though the wiper does't actually sit on the body.

It's nice to take care of them, they aren't super young anymore; although ours still feels new to me...

 

[techno]

I removed this piece yesterday to replace my opening switch. Extremely easy and only took 10 mins to get off. The only tricky bit was needing to unbolt the wiper motor to give access to the clip labeled as 'clip' in the above pics. It's behind the motor. I needed to use pliers, it wouldn't pop out by itself.
There's only one electrical connector to disconnect and the rubber grommet easily pushes out.