1995 rear hatch striker removal

[95xj_MoeHoward]

My Cherokee has two studs securing the latch striker to the body, the FSM shows two screws. Not clear how they can be removed without drilling them out, cannot see them from the underside, might have to drop the tank.
Anyone run into this before? Need to remove the striker and the plastic trim to deal with rusty floor panels at the tailgate.
Thanks in advance

 

[Anak]

They come out from underneath. At least that is the case on my '96.

I can't recall if it is the tank or the bumper which is in the way.

 

[Dragonslayer]

It’s the bumper that is in the way. Drop the bumper and then you’ll find the two fastener nuts that hold the striker in place. When you replace the striker, be sure that it is adjusted (no annoying hatch rattles, etc.) before putting the bumper back as it is near impossible to adjust it while the bumper is there.

 

[Unclewolverine]

I never had a problem removing the striker without removing anything extra.