I am sick and tired of replacing my liftgate latch handle. Has anyone ever modified their XJ to pop open by a switch?

 

I've never see it done.

How often are you replacing the latch handle? I've never heard of someone needing to replace one of those. What year?

Adjusted properly, the hatch should pop open with very little effort.

 

I've replaced mine before. They are plastic and do break, though shouldn't be more than once or twice unless you break it after trying to force it open after smashing it with a tree ...

 

OP doesn't say why he has to keep replacing the handle, but the answer to his question would be a solenoid (like when customs had shaved door handles way back when).

 

I deliver mail and packages so you can imagine how many times a day or a year I open it up. Been through about 10 of these. I really need to take the plastic out of it and make an aluminium one

 

You may end up being the pioneer on this project.

Use a door lock motor?

 

UKXJ has the solution. a solenoid would be perfect, especially if you had one that punched it out with some good oomph. hmmm so getting me to think.... if you got 2 solenoids, one for the strike release and one for the liftgate itself, you could, with two buttons, open it from the front. Gosh I might just try this myself if I dont decide to do a split liftgate

 

Hmmm, split liftgates, solenoids, like KJ's, well, it's a top hinged window over a 1/2-door - but when it's unlocked the glass opens, The glass in the liftgate on a WJ is similar (although, mercifully, my memories of mine are fading) but seems like all you need might be in the Jeep parts bin..

Actually the KJ window opens as you pull the handle to open the door. Shows how much attention I pay to such things.

 

Might help if you push the gate in with one have when you pull on the handle. It takes all the pressure off the mechanism. Could be that your rubber bumpers that contact the lift hat are adjusted high causing extra pressure.

 

If pushing against the gate makes it easier (or even possible) to open, the operating rod needs adjusting - but don't think that is the issue here.

 

The switch would simply need to unlatch the door and activate an electric strut. That's how modern SUVs operate and how my WK2 opens up. The relay would need to work similar to the front driver 'auto' window button. That's the fun part.

 

I think that's taking it a stage further than OP wanted - although he might appreciate not having to lift hatch either.

 

I like the idea of putting in a solenoid. I’m going to have to think this through, but I like the idea of a pushbutton upfront to at least relieve the pressure prior to opening.

I just purchased this kit

 

Sure hope it works.

 

what I like about the idea of doing this is, that if in fact, my handle breaks, I’ll still be able to open the back