Wanted to add an update and thank everyone for the insight. I just freed up my 1996 Rodeo left rear door. I first tested the linkages for both the inner and outer door handles. Both linkages appeared to be attached to the handles as I could hear them moving inside the door. I then stuck a plastic tube attached to a can of WD 40 into the hole in the rear of the outer door handle and sprayed. Waited 15 minutes and sprayed again. Using a rubber hammer, I pounded on the outer door surface just over the latch while pulling on the door handle. After about a dozen medium blows, the door opened smoothly. After the door was open I noticed the rotating latch or catch was binding and I freed it up by cycling it with a screwdriver in place of closing the door again right away.
This is just one mode of failure because others have had linkages come loose.
Thats when the bent wire is necessary to lift the tab that keeps the latch from rotating to the open position. I will attempt to take a picture of the latch assembly to help out those who face this dilemma in the future.
Regards