Fixed my OCD.

Got tired of looking at a sunken hood compared to the fenders. Hood was about 1/8" lower and the hood stop bumperets were mush. I replaced the hood bumpers, added 1/8" shim washer to the hood hinge in the back and raised the hood latch to close the hood. All lined up now and even. OCD fixed.
Now I have to order the front cab bushings to replaced the mushed OEMs.

 

Your hood looks good.

Your sunshade on the other hand...

 

***
Its a PRO model...

 

I bet you had some peasants put up your sun shade. That's what I do.

 

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Hey, I got it from the Dollar Store. $.99. 2 years old and still going strong...

 

Actually... I'm still using the shade that I got for my 1st gen many years ago. Maybe 15+ years???. I forgot how much I paid for it but it has been worth every penny.

I joke because we both have Pros.

 

Those OR peasents will do anything for a wiff of the Fox shocks.

 

How about a pic of the rear of the hood and a pic or two of the hinge install. Is it a two person job slipping the shims between the hood and the hinge?

 

Excellent job op! Do you mind sharing what bolts, washers, rubber etc. you used and where to get them?

 

Perhaps Toyota should rename TRD Off Road the Redneck Edition, and TRD Pro the Blue Blood Edition.

I learned that when the going gets rough, I rather be traveling with a bunch of rednecks: they really know how to get themselves out of any situation.

But when dinner time comes around, I much rather hang out with the city slickers...

 

Imagine what sr5 owners will do.

 

Hmmmpft... well color me offended

 

Right side still higher

 

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For all that asked, is not a universal mod, each truck varies and different washer sizes might be needed. Here is what I did:

- with the hood closed, measure the gap between the fender and hood at the back of the hood by the windshield using washers till there is no gap between the hood and the fender. In my case I needed 1/8" washers on both sides. (I used the gas door in the picture as reference now). The diameter of the OEM hood hinge bolt is 5/16" for a tight fit.
- open and prop the hood and place a rag between the hood corner and the glass for the hood to rest on it when loose.
- grab the bottom part of the hood, loosen and remove the 2 bolts that secure the hinge to the hood. SLOWLY let the hood rest on the rag against the glass.
- start with the bolt in the back of the hinge closest to the windshield, reinsert the OEM bolt through the hinge, place the needed washers on top of the hinge with the bolt through the washers and align the bolt to the hole in the hood. Hand tight 2-3 turns only to have room for the hinge to repeat the same process for the front bolt. Repeat for the other side.

Now the hood should be leveled to the fenders in the back.
Move to the front now.
My 2 rubber hood bumpers were smashed and pointing in the wrong direction. Also the OEM hood bumpers may no be long enough to lift he hood. Mine went into the garbage.

- remove the OEM hood bumpers if they are bad or not long enough. I replaced mine with bumpers from FORD F-150 (now my taco has FORD DNA in it)
- again play with washers to achieve the right height of the hood when closed.
- if the hood is not latching now because it seats too high, adjust the hood latch UP till the hood closes.
Have fun.

 

Great write up, thanks!!!

 

You’re right! It’s true!!
Last items on my Semi-Pro Upgrades!

 

lol at “semi pro”

 

Redneck BBQ is often very good for dinner

 

Dacon, Thanks for the write up and pics. tguil