so after some wheelin this weekend, i noticed my rear hatch wouldnt open. I finally got it open this morning and torn apart, and realized the latch itself must be replaced. for some reason, i cannot figure out how to remove the latch. any suggestions?

 

From what I remember, I think it's just remove the inner hatch liner, like 3 bolts on the latchplate and it should pop out. I've junkyarded one to replace mine, and don't recall having a problem.

Of course, mine was the opposite of yours in that it wouldn't close rather than that it wouldn't open.

 

its actually the latch handle. the spring got weak in it. I ended up removing it by drilling through the rusted bolt on the back side but i am having troubles finding a replacement under $70