Can't remove splash guard without removing flare, also the opposite?

This doesn't make much sense I know, but I am changing out fender flares and want to remove them without breaking all the plastic tabs on the flare itself (happens every time). Many posts on this sub say to remove the plastic splash shield/fender liner to gain access to the back of the fender to pop out the clips, but...... it's impossible to get out the grommets that are under the flare without taking that off first. So what is the proper procedure? Does anyone have the Factory Service Manual to see what they recommend?

Also, Merry Xmas TW.

 

Bump

 

Could you post a picture?

I took off my front flaps a few years ago when I did my lift and upsized tires and I don’t remember taking off the flares to do so.

 

He's not referring to the mud flap. He is referring to the plastic fender flare and the plastic inner fender.

Destroy the inner fender clips to gain access to the back of the fender flare to keep from destroying the fender flare and its clips.

 

I find it even near impossible to remove the flares even if you have access to the inner side of the retainer clips. You will break most of the clips and I bought a bag of replacement retainer clips off Amazon for $10. Well worth it.

$9 Allmost for Compatible with 2005-2015 Toyota Tacoma Fender Flare Retainer Clip 75495-35010 75397-35010 (Pack of 38)

https://www.amazon.com/ALLMOST-2005...a-921913346872&psc=1&ref=&adgrpid=69167826895

 

The passenger side front flare on my truck had all but like 2 clips broken on it from the PO doing a snorkel install.
I had to pull the flare and inner fender to get leaves and crap out of there (cowl was not draining), ordered those clips before I did it. Good thing I did because I broke the last couple of clips taking the flare off.
The Amazon ones fit perfectly.

 

Did this today, ripped and cut and pulled the shit out of the 10 or so clips, then removed the liner. Somehow the stupid flare tabs are still broken.

 

I actually have like 50 of the clips, I am trying to avoid ripping the tabs off the actual flare, since they are not able to be replaced and are incredibly easy to tear off.

 

Did you not break any of the flare tabs?

 

Uhg that sucks. Those tabs on the flares themselves are so thin!

 

Try starting on bottom 1st . Remove mud flaps then bolt on bottom of fender and one above mud flaps holding flares to fender .Had to pop bottom of all 4 flares and poped 1st 2 clips on bottom without breaking. Never tried popping rest since I didn't have to but can pull flare out enough to see next clip. Maybe can use interior trim removal tool to remove rest of clip. I will check tommorow . Still working on mine .

 

Taking out the fender liner is a giant pain in the ass, but once it's out, getting behind the flare to pop the clips out is much easier and doesn't risk breaking the cheap tabs.

 

Total brain fart on my part.

My bad!