This may be repeat question... I did a quick thread check - couldn't find what I was looking for...

Rear window is starting to get sluggish (easy on the way down, but slow on the way up). When trying to get to the rear window motor assembly, can you actually get to it with the tailgate down (in the open position) or is it blocked by the retracted window? Or, should any work in the tailgate be done in the closed position with the window up? (That would be a pain in the @ss).

 

there is an acces compartment under the carpeting on the gate, you can get to the innards with the window down and tailgate down

 

Yes, under the carpet is the access hatch. You can lower the window, open the tail gate and then trip the limit switches by hand to allow raising the glass part way to allow access to parts blocked by the glass. Just don't raise it too far as it is unsupported.