Ok, I want to tighten and replace the tailgate piece so it quits rattling as much as it does. I see how the plastic twist screws on the bottom come out, and the pieces at the top should just slide up when its all loose. But it still seems to be held down. I am assuming its by the molding around the tailgate latch. How do you get this loose, especially without breaking it.

 

u have to pop it off from the edges but there is no way to guarantee it won't crack-20yr old plastic gets brittle. there are two long screws under it that have to come off to get the panel loose.

 

Thats what Ifigured. Can you pinpoint where the latches are? I'm guessing in the center.

 

they are all around. use the wide end of the lug wrench handle to pry them carefully-it helps if the temperature is higher-less chance for cracking.

 

Thanks lev, I used one of those free plastic drill gauges to take it off.

 

I had the same thing going on.

You will probably find that your black slide in "pieces" that secure the top of the lift gate trim are broken/missing.

You can buy kits for this repair. But I would go to a salvage yard. I found these pieces at the local LKQ Salvage Yard and they gave me these pieces for free. You just have to get lucky and hope they have a wagon in the lot.

Good luck. and be careful prying that plastic trim off the inside lift gate handle.