[augustus88]

Thanks for the step-by-step tutorial. Had some spare time so I did this mod as a precaution a few days ago. I did a couple of things a bit differently. I didn't remove the tailgate handle mechanism. I was able to remove one rod end and plastic holder at a time with everything else in place. I trimmed the plastic piece and installed a push washer as described. I was also able to do this with all four plastic holders including the two at both ends of the tailgate. I found small needle nose pliers made removing the clips on the ends possible. You can use the pliers to push the washers on too. Open the pliers so the rod fits between the jaws. Lay a push washer on the side of the needle nose jaws toward the tip. Slide the pliers/washer under the rod and push up. The plier's jaws will put even pressure on both sides of the washer like you did with the two screw drivers. This allowed me to do the whole job in place without removing anything but one rod end at a time.