Hatch rod/latch adjustment?

[Okie528]

Hey guys! I have searched for threads relating to hatch adjustment and haven't found what I'm looking for. I have been fighting my hatch mech forever. When I turn the handle the drivers side released and the Passenger would not, (without a lot of manipulating). So, I figured I needed to shorten the rod of the side that wasn't releasing. Not wanting to alter the original rod, I bought a 3' piece of 3/8 diameter rod from Lowes and built a shorter rod. Installed, tested, seemed to work. Now the side that always worked great no longer releases. Is there a trick I'm missing? It can not be this complicated!

One of the PO's has definitely reworked the hatch, so I know I'm not starting with an untouched mechanism.

Any advice appreciated, pics, or links to threads I didn't find would be great.

I run a Softopper in the summer, it would just be nice to get this thing right once and for all.
Thanks.