Excellent information, thank you!
It is very hard to see that area, never mind gaining access to it..
My lift-gate still works normally, but makes the occasional popping sound when opening/closing. Initially I thought the motor gear had a cracked tooth.
It turns out that the linkage pops upwards/downwards because it's missing the c-clip.
Off the top of your head, do you recall what size c-clip that you used?