If the truck had electric windows and power door locks, this step would not be necessary.

If that doesn't work, try the exact opposite direction. It could be that someone has put the snap ring on wrong.

To re-install this snap ring, needle nose pliers work the best.

Next I removed the cover around the handle/lock area:

With my finger I pried the plastic cover away from the door (to put some tension on it).

Then with a flat screwdriver I released the clips inside the cover (which can be seen in the photo below).

On this job I'm replacing the inside door release lever, which was broken. This is a common problem with this series of truck by GM.

View of the back side of the arm rest.

The hooks in the bottom two red circles engage the holes in the upper two circles.

I just pried on the edge of this cover and it popped off.

The mirror bolts are behind the black foam rubber.

I used a door panel removal tool, but a rigid putty knife works just as well.

If this truck had power windows/doors, I would need to disconnect the wires at this point.

The white fastener clips can be seen along the edge of the panel.