1993 DeVille Door Handle/Latch/Rods Removal? HELP

The door wouldnt open from the inside but WOULD open from the outside. Well the door handle (interior) broke completly off so i knew i needed a new one lol. So i took the door skin off and grabbed the rod going to the handle and pulled the rod really hard to see if the door would open and.....FAIL! So now Im under the assumption that the latch is messed up. So Im a little confused on how to get the little plastic things off the end of the rods. Because i only have so much room to stick my hand in there. Also the passanger door is starting to do the same thing. I gotta pull the handle real hard and then it opens. Bad rods or latch?? Hopefully someone can help ASAP!! I got it all ripped apart and it 20 degrees outside and just dont care I WANT IT DONE!! lol. Thanks for your help.