Chrysler Repair: 97 Voyager sliding door lock - driver side, sliding door lock, postal mail

Question
Reasonably good myself with things mechanical, but stumped with this one.
-The driver side sliding door was closed "normally" and now won't open from the inside or outside.
-Panels off the door and all the actuating rods are functioning properly.
-Found out about the gas door linkage and took panel off inside rear quarter.  It also appears to be functioning properly.
-Disconnected actuating rod from the main mechanism jumble to ensure rod was being pulled fully to unlock the door. No joy.
-The problem, of course, is that both the lock mechanism and whatever mechanism there is for the gas door interlock are attached to the door jamb with screws/bolts in the gap between the door and the quarter panel... which of course, is inaccessible with the door stuck in the closed position.
-Tried "actuating" the door release and kicking at the door from the inside, near the locking mechanism. No joy.
Basic problem, at this point, is how to get the door open so I can remove/inspect/repair/replace the problem component.
- Sorry it's so long.  Thought telling all would be best.

Answer
Hi Cal,
I haven't worked on this sort of an issue, so am limited to checking my manuals. There is about 12 pages in the '98 manual about the sliding door (using the right side as reference, so nothing about the gas door) that describes all the mechanicals of the design but with nothing specific for a jambed up situation. If it would be any help I would be happy to xerox the pages and postal mail them to you. Just give me a postal mail address.
Roland
PS I also have the '95 manual. If you have any idea which manual would be applicable to your '97 that might be good to know. Perhaps a dealer's parts counter could give you an indication.