pulling 1998 Suburban LS Door panel/trim

[SuperDanny]

I need to replace my drivers side door handle. Already have the new piece, but it looks like the entire panel has to come off. Need to know, other than the two screws on the armrest, how to get the door panel off (assume you have to pull it off??), so as to access the door handle assembly. I have a trim remover 'fork', but it looks like the panel is held on VERY tight (e.g. with screws, maybe hidden?), compared to most I've seen. Any other special tools required?

Thanks

[Jeremy-WI]

two screw on the armrest, remove panel with door lock and power window buttons, remove speaker and then you should be able to use the fork. You also have to remove the bezel around the interior door handle

[deaertmule]

i had a new handle in the garage for weeks knowing mine was about to break..it finally gave up on Sunday night..take off the sail panel(triangular cover inside of mirror).. then the trim around the door handle..the door panel is held on with the 2 armrest screws and friction clips..they do take a little effort to pull them from the door.. once the door is loose you can disconnect the speaker and swing the panel far enough to work..the door handle/lock assy is held in place with a rivet at the lower rear corner..drill the rivet out and push the handle assy forward to remove from door..pull the rod for the handle and the rod for the lock and the handle assy comes right out..attach the rods to the new assy..i used a small, short self tapping screw instead of a rivet to secure the assy..the rest is the reverse of removal...it was my first one and i had it done in 1/2 hour..works perfect now..

good luck,
william