Removing Liftgate?

My brothers liftgate on his 97 explorer does not open. The thing that you twist to open just keeps spinning. What would be the best way to remove it without having to do any body damage. Also is there a way to use the same lock in a different one from a junkyard.

Can Anybody Help Me

It looks like the fastening of the liftgate trim panel is quite similar to the one in my 2000 Mountaineer.

From the inside, you should be able to remove the trim panel and access the latch mechanisms to get the door open, or at least be able to see what broke or became disconnected with the release mechanism.

There is a rectangular cover on the lock lever for the liftgate. Remove that cover and the screw below the cover. Remove the two screws for the strap handle and remove the handle. Then, unsnap the trim panel from the area above and on the sides of the window. It looks like there are about five locations where the trim is snapped in (three across the top, one on each side).

With the top of the trim piece unsnapped, the lower portion of the trim panel should pull up and off the door. You may need to carefully slit the plastic trim below the window latch mechanism if you are not able to release the rear window. With the trim panel off, you can unstick the vapor shield and access the mechanics of the latch assembly.

-Rod

Thanks for the help.