Hood struts?

I came up with the same conclusion. Plus the struts will be more in the way than the rod. I only wish the rod was a bit longer.

 

So do most people.

 

Depends on what you're working on. I find that the prop rod is much more in the way for most common projects than the hood struts. And the high lift capability is a complete game changer for both access and lighting. If you ever do a timing belt or a valve cover job, you'll learn to hate the prop rod and love the hood struts.

 

When they do, you still have the prop as back up, while sourcing the replacement from the company that made the kit, or cross referencing at the auto parts store (as I've done for struts on both hoods and bed caps, before)

 

There have been some comments in other threads about the Sokietech and the stress on the hinge the way it is mounted. Working on an 2012 FX35, I noticed the hood struts are mounted in much the same way and it is 10 yr old w/no issues. Nothing against the Spiker (I had these on my 2ng gen) nor the Redline products.

 

@jneutron ^^Those look beefy!

 

On the FX35, it is a large hood and glad to have hood struts. I noticed the new 3rd gen hood seems to be heavier than the 2nd gen?

 

This 3rd Gen TRD Sport is my first NEW truck. The hood is very heavy...that's one of the reasons I bought my hood struts.

They are holding up well...my excitement shows every time I open the hood...which I try to make frequently.



Plenty of space height for me to do oil changes and spot-check things under the hood.

 

Love my @SpikerEng Strut kit. you decide how high you want the hood to open. this mod isnt for everyone but, it certainly is for me. appreciate the thought that went into these, and brought to us, from a Local Michigan Member to boot. Ski

 

You can also get a lighter hood, but there's more drilling involved

 

+1 for Spiker! I LOVE MINE!

 

Which hood struts (if not all) provide the easiest one handed lifting?

 

Sokietech, Got mine from ebay 4 yrs ago for $25 and got surprised by the price now from Amazon.. still can hold the hood weight

 

Sokietech for the win on price, no drill install and multi-year durability.

 

I've got the redliners because that's what I got for my 2nd gen and loved them.

I wish they open a bit further, but other than that they are essential. Perhaps the Strikers are longer?


When I traded in my 2nd gen at the Toyota stealership, it was one of the first things they called out (positively) besides the steel bumpers I had. Those who know, know. If you are a hands off driver, it won't concern you.

 

3rd gen is way heavier hood than 2nd especially with a lift and 33" tires. I've had both. I'm 70+ senior with bad arms and shoulders. I installed Red Line Racing struts and totally happy. Took me an afternoon to do but that's cause I work slow and methodical now without a lot of strength. Only problem was attaching pop rivets with hand riveter. Would have been a lot easier with adaptor for electric drill for pop rivet install. Have one on order now but too impatient for arrival for this install. Totally happy with Red Line struts. One hand opening. Now too hard to close, ha ha.

 

@canuck guy

Yes, the manual rivet gun was challenging for me too...but I managed...just like you!

I was also concerned with the drill gun portion of the install...used blue tape to prevent the bit from traveling further than it should.

The opening height is lower than the stable hood rod but doesn't really affect me.

Overall, I'm happy with the RedLine Hood struts.

 

I believe all of these will allow one-hand opening, the struts (should) take over after the hood is opened about 10-12".

 

I've had one of these for 20 years.

$46 Lisle 45900 Hood Prop

https://www.amazon.com/Lisle-45900-Hood-Prop/dp/B0002BC0T6/

 

Lol I think I'd rather have the stock one