I'm about to replace the broken rear windows of my Full Size Bronco.
However, when I tried to lift or press the handle on the swing open spare tire rack, it doesn't disengage the lock and it got stuck.

Any idea of how to make it open, so I get access to the rear tailgate?

 

WD-40 is your friend

 

It just seems like the cable that's connected to the trigger doesn't do anything. Should that cable be really loose or with tension ?

 

I would think you could reach in with something and release the release

 

By '92 the linkage between the handle and the release mechanism is a solid rod but the nylon grommets at each end of it are known to vitrify, crumble, and allow too much play for the release to activate when the handle is depressed.

 

They get sticky from lack of use too. Soak it with WD-40 and keep working it. And spray the hinges too, but don't put a lot of force into opening it. Work it slowly until it's free.

After they're freed, spray EVERYTHING with liberal amounts of silicone spray lube.

Also might want to spray all the internal tailgate lock mechanisms while you're at it, and the tail gate hinges.

That is also one of the first things I do when I get a used car is lube EVERY THING that moves with silicone spray. Makes things so much easier to use, and no squeaks.

I got rid of the noise that the hood springs make when you open and close it using silicone spray. Took a couple of applications and a lot of the stuff but it doesn't make the noise anymore. A LOT of junk came out of those springs!

Maybe you should use WD-40 to clean them first, dry them off and THEN use the silicone spray.

 

After an hour, I got the hinge and the lever working. It is stuck as you all have said, so I sprayed WD-40 (a lot...)

However, it still doesn't swing too far away, the bottom swing is kinda frozen, and its completely stuck, doesn't budge at all.

 

Slowly work it, liberally spraying it with WD-40!

I've RARELY seen that stuff fail.

Only the toughest old nuts.