It took time with needle nose pliers on the sides of the torx bolts. It helped/hurt they weren't terribly tight and I had cut the bottom of the cover off for a power lock solenoid.
Also complicating things was the Hooke Road cargo carrier and a Jeep loaded with camping gear. Had to pull everything out from under the cargo rack by folding the front seat forward...then contort myself into the space with a flashlight and pliers.
In the end pulling the rod that releases the catch is what got everything open. And I've had to pull that rod every now and then to get the door to open.
The tailgate is slightly tweaked and corkscrewed...the aftermarket tire carrier holds the tire out too far...despite Morryde hinges and tailgate reinforcement.
Largely ignoring the problem and holding out for a
@Fluxor tire carrier and corner armor...all which I hope will assist with solving this and my collapsing torque box issue.
Oh that and a later model gas skid and cutting the frame so I can tuck the bumper up.
-Mac