Open Tailgate from INside?

[BuffaloXplorer]

My Tailgate latch mechanism is shot (rusted & frozen) and i cannot get the tailgate open. Is there a way to open it from the inside? I haven't yet looked into whether or not i could take of the interior trim panel w/o first opening the TG, but if anyone else has some input that'd be great...

(After i get it open) I've found that working on the "guts" of the tailgate isn't that much fun from just the one access panel on the right side (beneath the trim panel). Could i cut a similar rectangular access panel on the left side of the interior sheet metal without affecting the structural stability of the door itself? I would think so, as most of the "stability" comes from the sides and not the face of the door, but any objections?

Thanks
Chris

 

[Lee S.]

The tailgate on my 98 has been stuck shut a couple of times...the culprit has been those little plastic clips that connect the linkage bars...also had to replace the lock actuator once.

I was able to remove the interior trim pan while it was stuck in the closed position...from there you can get it opened.

Not sure about cutting an access panel.

Lee