Remove the 9/16" fine threaded bolts from the pivot or trunion on one side of the bed and slide it up in the channel, thus allowing the tailgate to come out of the opening. The tailgate must be open, in order to remove it or it will bind in the opening. These bolts may be seized, so be very careful not to break them off in the hole. This adds another dimension to the process, that is better left alone. Good luck.