2001 ford explorer rear outside handle, can i repair from outside or do i have to take inside panel off

ok panel off what i;m i looking 4

well i did not realize they were riveted in, you will have to drill the rivets out from the outside. but the reason you had to remove the inside panel in to disconnect the rod that goes from the handle to the latch. maybe this picture will help.

I was able to reach my hand in there and unscrew then clip, it broke off the handel, do I still need to rivet it? to attach the new clip ?

The handle has to be rivited to the door thats what holds it on. As far as the clip goes it needs to be replaced if the rod isnt attached to both the handle and the latch it wont open

That plastic clip has to be one of the worst engineering ideas Ford has produced. Metal and plastic do not get along long.

Note. The handle is easier to remove and replace in the door space if the window is down a little bit.

door hands keepbresking