the replacement was a success

now I have to figure out why the driver side latch doesn't like to stay closed
sometimes while driving, if I hit a bump it pops up just a little and I have to either push it back down or open and close the hood with extra force on that side
it doesn't seem to come completely unlatched, and only pops up about an inch and a half on that side, but I'd rather not risk wrapping my hood over the roof at highway speed

 

does it need greased?

 

it couldn't hurt

what sort of grease or lubrication do you recommend? would WD40 be ok?

 

Get some spray on silicon lubrication.. You can press down on the hood to make it latch then pull the release and it should reset it so it closes properly..

 

I just bought two at the junk yard for $5!!! One has a bit of play in the cable, but I bought it for a back up. The other installed quickly! Be sure to use a HUGE philips screwdriver on the three screws that hold the hood release on the dash kick panel. They strip really easy! Then use grease or silicone lube on all moving latch parts! Manipulate the moving parts with your hand to work the lube in and then lube it more!!! I was lucky when I bought my 1989 Cherokee they had the hood open. I put duct tape on the latches so it wouldn't lock shut. It's not a driver yetr so I wasn't worried about the hood being secured.