I have seen on the net where someone made a rod that would slide under the hood that would trip the mechanism and release the hood, but can't for the life of me find it.

If you have someone that will let you look at theirs you should be able to see what the cable connects to and how to trigger it with a rod or hanger or such.

 

Where the cable connects there's that push pull lever that sometimes freezes up. That's why I could not get it open cause the dam thing wouldn't move.

 

This has been answered before lol.
Can't believe nobody has suggested going from the bottom.... I've done it before but my XJ chewed up my forearm and wrist something fierce. Its not impossible but it is somewhat painful though.
Just grab the connecting rods and pull to the left from the passenger side or right from the drivers side. Persistence is key and also being able to tune out your XJ gnawing on your arm lol. XJ's want blood when you work on them or at least mine does at least.
I can post a picture of under my hood if you want.

 

I'm pretty convinced its very painful lol I had that thing on a lift trying to get up in there. I couldn't reach it. But that was on my renix.. Dunno if the difficulty level changes by year.

 

the best way i had it done was a crowbar to one corner of the hood and pop the
hood up.

 

Well my buddy's '90 was pretty much identical to my '98 and it helped to see his to figure mine out.....all I wanted to do is check her oil and she made me have to work for it lol...

 

OP

Be sure you lube the latches when you get it open. Mine was a hard pull until I spread a little white lube on the latches, now easy.