'04 Sequoia - Rear Hatch/Liftgate Handle...Issues again

I have replaced the rear hatch (liftgate) twice within the aftermarket metal handle. It works for 1-2 years and then issues of no opening once again occur. Reason for changing....liftgate will not open when handle is squeezed/depressed.

This time, I decided to purchase the OEM Toyota handle (part # 69090-0C080). I've heard thatb the OEM handle works great.

While installing I noticed the cable has an approx 1" of stretch to fully engage lock mechanism. The handle throw would not pull enough cable to open liftgate. So, I decided to shorten the cable by crimping a round spli shot style fishing weight to end of cable (just before oem lead piece on end of cable). It was a larger weight at approx. 3/8" diam.

BTW...The tab on oem handle to hold cable housing is nothing more than a simple fork shaped piece of metal. Cable can easily slide off especially if not under tension....which mine barely had any tension even after I added the split shot weight. I used some duct tape close to the cable housing end to ensure cable would not come off fork.

Tested it.... open closed liftgate several times and all worked fine.

Put everything back together and now it will not work at all!

Frustrating. Now I have to climb inside to remove liftgate interior door panel to pull on cable to release liftgate.

Perhaps I have to shorten cable more?

Has anyone here faced a similar issue, and if so, how did you resolve?

I inspected and the opposite end of cable goes into the locking mechanism....doesn't appear easy to replace cable.

Thanks!