Hi guys,
Just wanted to make a post on what the tailgate looks like with the panel removed. I wanted to tint my tail lights and you have to remove the tailgate panel to access the lights on the tailgate. I tinted the lights with VHT Night Shade
I uploaded a video to youtube that shows all the pieces.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mzrgMb9OyI
For this job you’ll want panel pullers, a 7mm socket, a 10mm socket, pliers, and a flathead screwdriver.
Your first step is to pop off the handle cover using panel pullers or the flathead screw driver. Once the cover is off there are two 7mm screws you’ll need to take off.
Then you can go around the outside of the panel and start pulling it off. It comes off really easy. There is one wire going to the door close button, just detach that.
Once the panel is off I suggest starting with the drive side light. There are 5 nuts that need to come off. Those are size 10mm nuts. The passenger side is the same except the upper outboard bolt has a bundle zip tied to it. Carefully cut the zip tie (NOT THE BUNDLE), and then there is a plastic piece that you need to pull off with some pliers. Then you can access the last 10mm bolt. Each light is connected to a connector which is easy to disconnect.
The side lights are easy to take off. There is one bolt hidden by a plastic cover. Once the bolt removed it takes a bit of force to get the light assy off, and there is one connector.
Video again
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mzrgMb9OyI
Enjoy
BEEFNUTS