I got everything unscrewed and ready to pull the panel off so I can install new front speakers, but I cannot get the handle area to come off in the middle. I unscrewed the screw in their but it still does not seem to want to come out. I don't want to pull too hard and break something. Any ideas?

 

if it's anything like the earlier generations you have to slide it forward, it doesn't come straight out (it has little hooks). then, once you've got it slid forward, you need to use a small screwdriver or some needlenose pliers to pop a little plastic clip off the rod that actually opens the door, attached to the back of the handle.

it's hard to describe but it should be fairly obvious once you see it.

 

the door latch handle slides fowards, and it comes off.

http://forums.bauchan.org/portal/vie...hp?dcid=17&p=1

the fsm can be found on that page, download it and use it, very helpful!

 

Here are some pics for you to make it easier. I removed my doors several times and then replaced the entire door panels from cloth to leather. After you remove the screw in the handle,



Slide the handle towards the front edge of the door. There is a tab that helps to hold the handle in position until it is secured by the door screw.



When you pull the handle back you will feel tension. This is the attachment wire from the handle to the latch. It is secured by a plastic slip clip. It fits into the hole the latch wire fits into. This slip clip them pivots around the wire and has an open clip that just snaps over the wire effectiuvely locking it in place. Use a small flat tip screw driver and pry it off the wire. Then using the tip of the screw driver press the wire downward to free it from the pivot hole.



Not difficult but when it does come off, you can just push the wire out of the handle and slip clip pivot and the handle will be off. To install just reverse the proceedure .

 

many thanks! Great write-up. I searched and didn't see a "how to" so hopefully this will helps others.

 

This is sooo weird.. i needed to know how the door panel came off.. so i went to this new website called google.com and entered "how to take a door panel off on a 4runner" a couple links down was this thread!!! its so weird! that if I search for something thats toyota related I can find the answer is already here without having to start my own thread!

thanks yotatech!!

 

im picking up on your sarcasm.

well now i know i did mine wrong. i just squeezed the entire handle assembly through that hole very akwardly

you are right though

 

no i really did need to know how to remove the handle so i could remove the door panel... i really did google search it, and really did find this thread no sarcasm implied.

 

dont forget to pop off the arm rest thing theres a few screws in there