* Part Availability: Finding a complete, functional manual window assembly (including the regulator, handle, glass, and potentially the surrounding trim) for a 36-year-old vehicle will be extremely difficult, if not impossible. Parts are scarce and likely expensive if you can find them.
* Wiring and Electrical Modifications: Even if you found the manual components, you'd have to deal with the existing power window wiring. This means disconnecting the power motor, potentially splicing wires, and ensuring everything is properly insulated to prevent shorts or other electrical issues. This is a job best left to someone with significant automotive electrical experience.
* Complexity of the Tailgate: The tailgate itself is a complex assembly. Disassembling it to install a manual mechanism requires expertise and the right tools. Damage to the tailgate during disassembly is a very real risk.
* Cost vs. Benefit: The cost of sourcing the parts (if available), the labor involved (if you don't do it yourself), and the potential for additional unforeseen problems far outweigh the benefit of having a manual window. A malfunctioning power window is typically much cheaper and simpler to repair (or replace the motor).
In short: It's far more practical and cost-effective to repair the existing power window system. Focus on troubleshooting the current problem (e.g., a faulty motor, regulator, or switch). A reputable Jeep mechanic or a specialist in classic car restoration will be far better equipped to diagnose and fix the power window issue than trying to convert it to a manual system.
