Wear gloves when working inside the door openings to protect against cuts from sharp metal edges. Open the tailgate and remove the tailgate trim panel. Reaching through the access hole, detach the tailgate rod and cylinder rod, then disconnect the actuator connector from the latch. For 2006 and later models, remove the actuator connector and latch switch connector. Remove the latch mounting screws and take out the latch from the tailgate, with installation being the reverse of removal. Next, reach through the access hole to detach the actuating rod from the rear of the lock cylinder, then remove the lock cylinder retaining clip and pull it outward to take it out from the tailgate handle, with installation being the reverse of removal. To remove the handle, reach through the access hole to take out the lock cylinder, then remove the bolt securing the lock cylinder protector and handle to the tailgate, release the clip, and remove the protector. After that, remove the bolt securing the handle and spacer handle to the tailgate, and carefully take out the handle from the tailgate, with installation being the reverse of removal.