oh, don't be so modest rriddle3.

 

Thanks Riddle - I bet my biggest problem (not that I care if it pops open) is indeed probably the gas shocks. I'm sure i'll get there one of these days and replace them.....especially if they start failing altogether and don't hold up the glass at all. Too many other "little" things that have higher priority.....(door locks, hvac air, ses light, etc) I'll start another thread for those.
I did try the electrical tape trick on the hoop on the window to stop the squeaking. It worked! But as mentioned, it depends on how much you use the back glass.....which I DO use it often. This is my work truck now. So it only took maybe 5 to 10 times of opening it before the latch cut through the electrical tape and it's squeaking again.

 

What works on mine is getting some bearing grease and placing a gob on the bar and rod on the hatch. Usually only have to do it once a year in the winter.