Here's how to remove trim to change shocks in Tribute
 

This is for my 05 Tribute..should be the same or real similar in related models..

Hope this helps someone
Well I looked around on the interwebs for a description of how to do this, and I could not find one. So, with little other choice, I decided to blunder through and figure it out as I went along. To save everyone else from this future problem...I took pics and will share them here.

Start by pulling the weatherstripping loose in the middle of the rear of the car
Attachment 5478
Pull it off on both sides about to the corner
Attachment 5479

Take a flat blade screwdriver and gently (hey the whole world is made of brittle plastic these days) pry up to pop the plastic clip loose
Attachment 5480
Continue until the plastic trim comes completely loose
Attachment 5481

looks like this..dont mind that stain..god knows what that is
Attachment 5482

Then move up to the back door ( i did passenger side first but it dont matter)
pop the trim circle from the seat locking bracket
Attachment 5473
Then look down and find the plastic cover on the kickplate plastic trim and pop it open with a screwdriver
Attachment 5474
This is probably the hardest part of the whole thing..You pry,swear, pull etc to get the trim piece and that little plastic "pop-it" out
Attachment 5475
Looks like this when you get it out
Attachment 5476
The plastic is bendy so you can just pull it out of the way like this
Attachment 5477

Then pull the weatherstripping loose along the rear panel
Attachment 5469
Pry carefully (again its just plastic but its probably the most expensive plastic in the whole world if you break it) from the bottom of the plastic wall panel up towards the window
Attachment 5470
Then head to the back of the car and repeat the process
Attachment 5471
The only tabs that should still be holding are under the window..Just get your hands under and behind the panel and give it a firm tug..It'll let loose.

And there it is..the top of the shock!
Attachment 5472
You did it..now just repeat the process for the other side and go get a beer or six.


Coming soon...Mazda Tribute Shock Replacement