Interior pull handle - rear seat

Has anyone ever replaced this handle before? I just bought a tundra and the handle was busted. I was able to successfully remove the broken handle and order a replacement from Toyota. The problem I’m running into is the metal clips that the handle attaches with are extremely difficult to get seated. They push up into the headliner before they can seat in the handle bracket.

I’m wondering if the clip needs to be placed onto the handles first and then pushed into place in the headliner?

 

I removed mine in my Tacoma. But replaced the hardware with a threaded jack nut insert.

If I remember correctly you clip goes then then the handle.

you pop this cap open?

 

I was able to get the caps off.... although, they were destroyed lol. Its just insanely tight squeeze getting the clips into the handle bracket without the clip popping up into the headliner. I spent 45 min trying over and over and could never get them to fully seat. The Jack nut might be an option for me. I'm wondering if the dealer would install for a few $ worst case scenario.

 

Thinking about it. maybe the handle is placed at the location, while handle in place, place in the clip, holding it all together?

It's been about 4 years since I did mine