A year or so ago, i was up north camping and after loading up at the end of the weekend my friend decided instead of moving what was block the gate from closing forward he'd force the gate shut in the process jamming it close and now it wont open.... any suggestions

 

crow bars help.. lol

 

Are you thinking the latch assembly is broken or the door is simply jammed?

 

You can remove the striker plate with some long extensions...The bolts for it are in between the bumper and gas tank..Another option is you can remove the rear hatch panel and try to manually release the latch from inside the jeep. I can take some pics tomorrow of the locations for you of need them.

 

I suggest going up to your friend and

 

Mine does this from time to time. Before you go into taking it apart try pulling on it from the inside to release the latch. If you have already tried this then you will prolly be taking it apart. I have even had some luck pushing in right below the handle on the door. Push and pull at the same time. Just my thoughts.

 

look if there is something stuck in the latch itself thats what happened to mine (mine was a rag)

 

if the latch shuts before you close it it will stop it from closing also... use a screw driver and pull the handle to get it undone

 

latch assembly behind the carpet plastic cover