31Forever

Hello all:

So, I picked up a new XJ, 2000 Sport, 207k miles, and got it for a pretty good price. But when I went to pick it up, the guy tells me we have to strap down the hood, because he broke the release trying to open it. I smiled knowingly, as this isn't my first rodeo. I went ahead and closed the hood, but not before showing him how he could open it again, should he come across the problem in the future.

Since then, I've been on google and the rest of the internet, looking for someplace that stocks a replacement bell crank hood release, and I'm having zero luck finding anything that isn't already rusted junk. DeadJeep, MoparOverstock, MoparAmerica; none of them have it in stock, and the part has apparently been discontinued.

Does anyone have a reliable source for this part that they could recommend? Short of removing it, splitting it in half, and cleaning it and reassembling it, I'm at my wit's end for a solution.

Thanks in advance, everyone!!

Saudade

What exactly broke? I don't recall ever seeing the bellcrank broken.

Salvage yard if one near you.

Looks like the part interchanges with earlier years.

These two sites allow "add to cart" with the right part number. However, that doesn't mean they actually have it.

https://www.jegs.com/i/Mopar-Accesso...526AD/10002/-1

https://jeeppartsguy.com/BELLCRANK_ASSEMBLY/p91038

31Forever

It didn't break, per se. It's just rusted together and refuses to work anymore. I had the same problem with my '99 Limited. It may have something to do with living by the ocean, but I can't be sure.

I'll check both of those sites, and thank you.

Saudade

Ah, I see. I live near the ocean too. Whenever I service my XJ, I make sure to spray down the mechanical bits (hinges, latches, cables, bellcranks, etc.)

Perhaps remove it and soak it in some vinegar?

31Forever

You know, that wasn't something I had considered.

Thank you, I'll give it a try.

cruiser54