How to Remove A Rear Quarter Panel of the 2002 Ford Explorer

Removing a rear quarter panel from a Ford Explorer is more complex than removing a front fender. The quarter panels are nearly twice as large due to the larger size of the SUV's rear compartment. You will need multiple people and extreme caution to remove a metal panel of this size and height. You must work in an area with plenty of clearance for the vehicle and the disconnected panel, and you should talk with your mechanic prior to beginning.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable with a wrench on the cable clamp nut.

2

Open the rear door next to the quarter panel and the liftgate at the very rear.

3

Remove the mounting bolts for the taillight with your wrench and detach it from the vehicle, disconnecting its electrical connectors.

4

Raise the vehicle's rear end and support it on jack stands. Remove the rear wheel adjacent to the quarter panel.

5

Remove the fasteners to the wheel well lining and then the lower fasteners for the quarter panel.

6

Lower the jack stands if necessary to access the top ends of the quarter panel. Position blocks under the wheel hub if needed, but keep the vehicle on the stands so long as the wheel and tire are off.

7

Remove all the bolts along the edges of the quarter panel within the rear door frame and the liftgate frame.

8

Lift and separate the quarter panel from the Explorer body; this should require at least two people. If the panel does not come off easily, there is at least one remaining bolt you must remove.