01 Durango Lift Gate

[pinkfloyd4ever]

any advice apprectiated here, was in accident 4 weeks ago, major damage done to liftgate and it will not open. Not getting the truck repaired, but interested in taking the insurance $ and finding a junkyard replacement. Any idea how hard it would be to remove lift gate? The damage to the lift gate was dead center below the window right and where the handle to open it was. I haven't even looked from the inside to see if there is a way to pop it free, all I have tried is to stand on the bumper and pull up on the SOB.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Since your planning on going the used route start tearing the interior panel for the lift gate off. You will likely be able to find the lift gate not only in the same color but the same interior as well so if you trash the old one (if its not already) its no big deal.

Once the panel is off you'll see the latch and linkages and will likely be able to figure out what you need to pull/pry to get it open.

[Shack]

Yep, the way Airjer said sounds like your only option.

After the new/used one is hung, some alignment might have to be done for proper sealing and gap distance.

Good luck!

[pinkfloyd4ever]

Thanks for the advice!

[Corey Bechtold]

2 words... Air Chisel. Cut a large area open and take a look. Once it's open you can access the rods and get the gate to open. Trying to take off the interior trim panel can be difficult from the inside.

Good luck,

Corey Bechtold

[pinkfloyd4ever]

haven't even tried to access it yet, probably a this weekend project. Going to have to try from the inside as no access to an air chisel.