99 Tahoe Door Latch

I replaced the front lock actuators on the new-to-me 99 Tahoe today. Driver's door has been tough to open; you'd have to pull the handle all the way to its end movement, sometimes past, and put some pressure on the door to get it to open. Now it won't open from inside at all. Opens fine from the outside.
I expected to find a faulty interior handle assy, so had one on hand. No dice. No play in the linkage rod either. I inspected the movement at the latch through the door vent. The rod appears to actuate an arm.
I'm assuming the latch assy is toast since there is no play at the interior handle.

How does the inner metal door panel come out? I assume it needs to be removed to facilitate replacing the latch mechanism.

Thanks!

OK all fixed up. Was inspecting the latch mech while I had the exterior handle out for replacement. Pulled the inner handle to watch the rod movement at the latch and the handle snapped off. :disappoin
Guess I shouldn't have returned the inner handle assy when I thought I didn't need it. Another trip to the parts store and she opens fine from the inside now.

OK all fixed up. Was inspecting the latch mech while I had the exterior handle out for replacement. Pulled the inner handle to watch the rod movement at the latch and the handle snapped off. :disappoin
Guess I shouldn't have returned the inner handle assy when I thought I didn't need it. Another trip to the parts store and she opens fine from the inside now.

the interior door assy parts need some white lithium grease on the pivot points.. remove all the panels and lube them. also the rubber guides need cleaning and when dry a silicone spray.