mxjunkie80

I've used the search but couldn't find anything. I'm sure it's in here someplace but can't seem to locate it. Anything with pictures would be great!! I just bought a 1999 sport and the hatch is stuck closed. If I could just get a link to the page. Thanks much!

Aldakoopa

I'm assuming the lock/button isn't releasing the latch?

JeepingDan

Have to pull the panel off from inside to unlock it.
Phillips head screws hold it on.

mxjunkie80

It's unlocked and the handle on the outside just free plays. I hear you can't get to all the screws when the hatch is closed though?

91 limited owner

You have two choices, Coat hanger through gasket. (trying to catch the release) Or trying to get to the release from the inside. And yes, I believe your right about not getting to all the sews. My wife once shut her trunk, with a box flap cover the latch area. Mechanics of the latch punch right trough the cardboard. But would not release after that. Took me three days, To get open. After using a hanger. Finally I took 1/8 steel rod, bent into a Shepard's hook. Gasket was pretty chewed up, by than.

Kmart164

Mines the same way. What I do is climb in the back, and directly under the window, pop the trim out. Just pull, and the tabs will release. Reach down in there, and pull up on the silver threaded rod. Then push while pulling that rod. Ta da!

But yeah, I need to fix that, that ****s annoying.

mxjunkie80

I'll try this.... But once it's open I hear you just have to adjust the latch, or plate or ??

JeepCoMJ

you have to adjust the threaded rod inside the hatch that goes from the handle to the latch. put gobs of super glue or jb weld on it once you get it right.

Macky

Just cut it off, u wont have to open it ever again! Jk but in all seriousness it sounds like the clip that holds the rod to the handle broke, id pull the panel off as much as possible and see if u can tell what is going on in there

mxjunkie80

Got it off and hatch open by pulling the rod! You guys are the best, thanks!!
So yeah, now.... I'll try and play with things and see what happens.
I also have to post pics and start my "build thread". Pretty excited!
Thinking about 4.5 or 3.5 lift with either 32x11.50 or 31x10.50. Not sure what lift or anything yet.
To many to choose from and I don't wanna make a mistake and get a ****ty one.

JeepCoMJ

i actually cut an access hole in my back hatch panel cause I couldn't get it fixed.

alloutperform

just a word to the wise asking lift/tire questions here is i good way to get us all going

mxjunkie80

Yeah, so i've read.... I'm going with the rubicon express 4.5" lift. Pretty much decided that. Seem when you go from 3.5 to 4.5 it gets expensive. SYE, longer brake lines, drive shafts ect ect..

alloutperform

well almost... you don't need sye i'm at 5in and don't have one and i highly recommend the 32x11.5s

mxjunkie80

Even if I'm going to daily drive it?