Lift Gate Panel Removal

[Copp4]

I found a small but noticeable crease on my 5th gen's lift gate. I believe I can fix it, but I need to know how to remove to inner plastic panel to do it.

Who has removed it and what needs to be removed prior to prying on the edges of it? I'm assuming it is retained by plastic press pins or clips.

Thanks.

 

[Auntie Soshul]

The complete instructions can be found in this forum, but there is a small notch on the lower right corner of the panel where a panel tool can be inserted. The panel is held on via several plastic pins, and can be popped off.

 

[Antman]

I found a small but noticeable crease on my 5th gen's lift gate. I believe I can fix it, but I need to know how to remove to inner plastic panel to do it.

Who has removed it and what needs to be removed prior to prying on the edges of it? I'm assuming it is retained by plastic press pins or clips.

Thanks.

This link will show you how.


Liftgate panel removal

 

[Copp4]

Thanks man! Looks like a bunch of plastic pins and a few wire connections. It even looks as though I will be able to easily access the crease from just the removal of one of the speakers... Hopefully.

 

[xpress]

Thanks man! Looks like a bunch of plastic pins and a few wire connections. It even looks as though I will be able to easily access the crease from just the removal of one of the speakers... Hopefully.

Curious if you ever got this done and how it went? I have a dent in the liftgate and want to try and give it a shot to remove it myself before going to the bodyshop.

 

[lmturne1]

This link will show you how.


Liftgate panel removal

I can't see the pics on your thread.

 

[mattpayne11]

I don't mean to resurrect an older thread but I'm trying to do the same thing today and the link Antman posted goes to a part of his massive thread that's not relevant at all.

 

[JeuTheIdit]

I don't mean to resurrect an older thread but I'm trying to do the same thing today and the link Antman posted goes to a part of his massive thread that's not relevant at all.

1) remove assist handle bolt cover (pops off).
2) remove assist handle bolt.
3) Using a plastic removal tool, pry the panel off (there is a grove on the passenger side to start). After getting a few clips off you should be able to easily grab the panel and pull the rest of the way. Just don't go wild and try to pull the entire thing at once, be careful.

This guy replaces his rear garnish and shows you how to remove the rear panel.

How to Replace 5th Generation 4runner Garnish or Handle Panel - 1080p/60 - YouTube

 

[mattpayne11]

Thank you - I found a YT video also and just did it. Lots easier than I thought.