OK so it was above freezing to day and the sun was shining, great time to
change the oil on my YJ and the wife's XJ.....

Well the XJ's hood release cable came off in my hand --- looked like maybe
two strands were just holding on and decided to let go today. Luckily the
hood released so it is open. No parts store carries replacements,
stealership is closed today and it looks like I can get one for under $15 on
the web.

Any tricks/ secrets/ concerns when replacing?

The 'barrel' end is disconnected from the under hood pivot point and the
handle,,, well that's on the kitchen table. It looks like I pull the old
cable out through the firewall and just slide the new one in..... right?

thanks
paul