My driver's side front door latch recently stopped working. The PO of my jeep made the doors removal and that caused them to sag on their hinges. I think that the sagging door caused that latch to hit the peg on the body that the latch grabs onto. I don't know where to purchase a replacement latch. Also I need new cables because they are going to get destroyed trying to remove the latch. Has anyone done this before? Where can I purchase a new latch?

 

92, what cables are you referring to?

As far as buying a latch, the junkyard is a good place. Also online at one of the 4WD/off road retailers that emphasizes Jeeps, Ebay, Marketplace. These should be fairly available as there are people parting out XJ's often.

Or if you are mechanically inclined they can be disassembled. You might be able to repair it. I recently took one apart completely to deep clean it and re-lube it due to being stiff and not working correctly.

 

The cables that go from the inside handle to the actual latch itself.
Thanks, I looked at one local junkyard already. Fortunately, XJs are pretty available in junkyards

 

No cables, just 1/8" dia steel rods. Very common in the aftermarket/commercial world; bend as needed...

Not sure I fully understand your issue. What are you trying to do? It sounds like you just need to lift, or push down, on the door until you can get it open, but I'm probably missing something...

 

Try removing the interior door handle trim - 3 screws, then pop the rod free from the door lock tab and also the door latch rod from the door handle tab. You can then manipulate the door lock rod Lock-Unlock and then also manipulate the door latch's rod and try freeing the door. This is a bit more reliable than destroying any part of the latch, door or latch post.