[MouthfulOfGrass]

Thank you to Heaterswa, and everyone else who input info about this.

I changed out my handle this weekend, wasn't too difficult. $67.50 for the handle assembly at Whittier Toyota (but I used a 10% off coupon to get this price).

The main problem I had was, the first time I put everything back together I didn't clean out the latch assembly good enough and the door wouldn't open even with the new handle. I had to take everything apart again, remove the latch assembly, and really clean it out well.

We have gone off-road quite a bit and a lot of dirt/dust gets built up inside the rear door, especially in the latch. This made the latch operate less & less free over time, with the dirt buildup.
I used about a whole can of engine cleaner to wash out the latch. Then used a Marine PTFE lubricant to coat all the parts. Then used white lithium grease to lube all the metal moving-parts.
All works fine now, wife even complemented on smooth operation.
Whole process took about 4 1/2 hours. Along with changing the serpentine belt myself, saved $300 versus dealer labor price.