Best Hood Strut For 6MT

This seems a bit like the situation of having an oil catch can and not checking it.

Would you fault Toyota, the catch can manufacturer, the modder, the owner, the mechanic?

same could almost be said for not maintenancing supercharger oil. Or not hot idling a turbo build.

 

Here's my engine bay for reference on a 2021 TRD Sport. I was able to rivet the bottom section on each side with no problems.



I love my hood struts!

 

Well……like I stated, I have no plans on installing one. The prop rod works just fine for me.

 

Your driver side rod is hooked in right where the off-road and pro manual transmission clutch fluid reservoir would be. That’s why there’s been so much discussion on that in this thread. Just thought I’d clarify.

 

A picture says a thousand words!

Reference is always helpful.

EDIT: I don't believe the reservoir protrudes to the point of crowding the sidewall.

 

To each their own, I personally think prop rods are way better, but if someone wants struts then it is what it is. The only thing I don’t like about the prop rod is how hot it gets. Wish ours had a foam pad on it like some others do.

 

Is that OEM or did you install that?

Looks out of place.

 

Factory for any manual transmission with the hydraulic booster, aka TRD OR and TRD Pro.

The manual transmission Sports pull their brake fluid for the clutch from a nipple on the master cylinder reservoir. Hydraulic booster trucks don't have the same master cylinder type of setup.

 

Still....doesn't look like it would get in the way of the strut movement.

But that's just my guess.

I'm glad I don't have any obstacles preventing me to install my struts.

Apologies if that seems kinda selfish.

 

Taking a closer look it looks like your strut is just barely mounted above the holes the reservoir. My first look made it seem like your strut is using one of the reservoir holes. So it would actually possibly work. I dunno, no personal interest in struts, and the OP has a Sport so his will be fine regardless.

 

Good discussion!

Thanks for your feedback.

 

I don't think we made a solid connection today

 

what would the transmission have to do with hood struts? or are you just flexing that you have a manual and we don't, neener neener neener...

 

I'll give the nod to doesn't matter. The factory prop rod will do the job.

 

With the struts disconnected, the prop rod can still be used.

I just like the fact, I don't have to manually lift the hood to open it.

 

@TacoTime55 , that line from the OP just jumped out at me and I seized it as feasible feedback. But as you note in your post above, a prop rod won't actually lift your hood. So we could go further and discuss the meaning of 'works best' in this context.

 

It's sad to see other's struggles with their limited circumstantial situations.

I know what works for me...and I'm all about ease of operation! lol

 

If you don't want to let go of your stick, I respect that. Same for your rod. And for those who prefer free hand, or maybe one hand?, I respect that too.

My 4runner lacks a prop rod and I feel sad at times about that. But it is satisfying too, slamming it down.

 

It really boils down to preference.

That, plus...I feel I deserve to spoil myself.

Lots of perspective here on TW...and that's what forums are all about.

EDIT: I'm looking at this as another Christmas gift for my truck:

https://www.sparksparts.com/oem-parts/toyota-tacoma-trd-performance-air-intake-ptr0335160

I already bought Total Chaos Bed Stiffeners.