Hood struts?

I dont even have my Taco yet, but I have a deposit on a 22 Sport Army Green DCSB. First things to get right out the gate are bed mat and cover. But, Im a little surprised at how heavy the hood is and the little flimsy prop rod thats used, Im thinking hood struts are in order. I know its not a big deal, but its also a pretty inexpensive mod. So whos running them and any recomendations?

 

I have these:

$60 Sokietech Shock Spring Strut Rod Prop Lift Support Gas Hood Damper Kit for 2016~2023 Toyota Tacoma N300 Pickup Truck

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RW9YT4S?ie=UTF8

I didn't have to drill anything (a huge selling point), and they installed in about 10 minutes.

I watched this video for step-by-step instructions from @ClassyTacos :

 

This is the way!

 

I'm running the @RedlineTuning Max Lift hood struts on my 2020. They work great and surprisingly don't cause my ditch lights to interfere with the windshield.

 

I have the Redline Max height set. Yes. it does involve drilling holes in the fenders and hood, but easy enough to do, as long as you take care with it.

Hood struts are always high on my list, if not equipped that way from the factory, as I absolutely loathe hood props (though I keep them as a backup, for when the struts wear out)

Bottom line, I'm very happy with them, and the only bone I had was in finishing off a couple of the rivets, as the angle was making getting leverage on the rivet tool a bit awkward. I've had a couple of Taco owners ask me about them, when they notice them at the gas station, or such. I always tell them that it's well worth doing.

 

@RedlineTuning and @SpikerEng are your best choices. They require drilling and rivets, but you can rest assured that they're properly designed for longevity.

I personally have the Redline Ellite (stock height)

 

Redline Tuning Hood struts on my Sport.

 

I got this because there less likely to be in your way when the hood is open, and high grade components

Spiker Engineering Hood Strut Kit


https://spikerengineering.com/product/16_tacoma

https://www.tacomalifestyle.com/products/spiker-engineering-hood-strut-kit-2005-2020


https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...ly-4th-group-buy-now-through-july-6th.770404/


See how the strut is in the way if you work on from the side at all......

 

best top 5 mod

 

Struts are a must. I have the Redline Elites (stainless steel) and if I had to do it over, I'd get the same but taller versions so the hood is lifted a bit higher. Stock height isn't so bad but there's been an occasion or two that I don't remember exactly why at the moment, but I was thinking that I should have bought the longer units.

 

Thanks for all the advice.
Guess I was onto something when I noticed the heavy hood/flimsy rod situation....LOL.
First things first....get the truck.

 

I got the redline struts shortly after buying my truck. They only had the shorter version then but if I were buying today I’d get the longer ones.

 

I concur with the need for these. Heck my wifes Forester came with them.

 

The caveat that I would point out about the Max Height is that shorter folk may find it more difficult to close the hood. I'm 6'5", and the front of the hood is about as high as would care to deal with.

 

Hood struts are a must have mod. I used RedLine for years in my Mustang. They were great however I ordered a set of the Spikers and I think they are a little better in quality. Basically the same mounting concept and either Redline or Spikers are better than the bolt on as it may vibrate loose or put added stress on the hood. If I had to do it again I would still get the Spikers because of the quality and I got mine cheaper than a set of Redlines. Drilling was a piece of cake and the rivets went in as expected. Not any issues and took about an hour for install.

 

Agreed ! I too found the hood to be very heavy, and bought the Redline QuickLift Plus as my first mod. I love them, but if I had to do it over again, as mentioned above, I'd get the Redline Max Lift Edition) Hood QuickLIFT PLUS ones, as I could use the extra height / room. This was the first time I've used rivets, so I bought the and that made things really easy.

Also, spend the extra couple of bucks and get a drill bit stop collar. I put tape on the drill bit, and almost had a heart attack when I felt the drill bit go thru the hood part you're supposed to drill thru and stop on the underside of the hood. (No hole and no ding, but damn, scary ! )

 

I installed the Spiker struts on my 2021 SR5, and my sons 2021 SR, best money spent.

 

I will open my hood maybe 50 times in the next five years. Maybe. Why on earth would you replace the absolutely simplest component on your truck?
Lol at those guys who wish for a truck with no options and a rubber floor, yet replace a simple prop rod with shocks that have many parts.

 

Quick question - if using these struts that hold the hood higher. Once brackets are riveted in place how does the strut attach? Are you having to support hood higher with one hand while fastening the strut?
Do I need a second set of hands? t

 

They're not replacing the prop rod, just adding struts for more convenience. They can come in handy over the life of the truck when/if any major maintenance is needed. The prop rod gets in the way and, the hood struts are safer. It's why most vehicles have the hood struts.