Help replacing hood release cable

I have a 98 Jimmy and the shop broke the cable where it connects to the handle. I got a replacement cable/handle assembly.

Anyone have a tip on the best/easiest way to replace the cable.

So I replaced it. I pulled the cable part way back into the cabin, cut it off, and taped the new cable to the old. Then I pulled it back through. I had to remove the air box and window wash reservoir because to get it fed through.

It all works good, but I wasn't able to get the rubber grommet to go back in through the firewall like it's supposed to. It's a pain to get up in there to get it pushed through.