DIY Hood Struts - 2nd Gen

The 80lbs struts are doing great! I think they are a little easier to pull down now after cycling over time. The struts have experienced +35C to -40C and haven't let me down. I think the 60lbs struts will be fine down in New Mexico. I would have tried 60s here if I could have found some when I did this mod.
I am not worried about the diameter of the rods or cylinder. Once they are installed, they are good to go!

20" struts are great for my application. I have the hood opening slightly higher than the prop-rod, but not too high that my ditch lights hit the windshield.

I honestly don't know why I didn't do this mod when I first got the truck. At first I was on the fence because I wondered "well how often to I open my hood? Is it that much of a pain?" Well it turns out I open it 1-2 times a week for various reasons haha. It is such a convenient easy mod.

 

Just ordered, $71.66 Thanks for this info!!!

 

Is that for your whole order or just the struts?

 

Whole order. $40 for the 80lb struts which were $6 cheaper than the 60lb and the brackets were $24.

I just saw this which is for both 67lb struts and brackets as a package for $47...

$29 20" 67lb/300N Per Gas Shock Strut Spring for Cabinet Door RV Bed Boat Cover Lids Floor Hatch Door Shed Window and Other Custom Heavy Duty Project, A Set of 2 with L Mounts Vepagoo

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B091378J5K...trial&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWw&th=1

 

Yeah but it might take some modification or relocation of the brackets.

 

The total of my order came to $50.18 (before tax).

$16 10MM Gas Spring Lift Strut Bracket Ball Stud Black, Mounting Bracket for Lift Support Prop, Pack of 4

Amazon.com: 10MM Gas Spring Lift Strut Bracket Ball Stud Black, Mounting Bracket for Lift Support Prop, Pack of 4 : Automotive

$11 ISPINNER 100pcs 3/16" x 3/4" Aluminum Blind Rivets, 4.8 x 19mm Pop Rivets, Pack of 100 (Black)

Amazon.com: ISPINNER 100pcs 3/16" x 3/4" Aluminum Blind Rivets, 4.8 x 19mm Pop Rivets, Pack of 100 (Black) : Industrial & Scientific

$27 C16-08260 19.7" 60lb Per Gas Strut Shock Lift Support for RV Bed Truck Tonneau Cover TV Cabinet Floor Hatch Door Shed Window and Other Heavy Duty Box Lid, Set of 2 Vepagoo.

Amazon.com: C16-08260 19.7 inch 60lb Per Gas Strut Shock Lift Support for RV Bed Truck Tonneau Cover TV Cabinet Floor Hatch Door Shed Window and Other Heavy Duty Box Lid, Set of 2 Vepagoo. : Automotive
If these 60lbs struts are too weak, I'll report back. Thanks for the help Dpele!

 

Question, the bracket package from Amazon comes with metal screws. But the instructions show the use of rivets. Will just the screws be strong enough or does this mod really need a rivet gun to be used?

Thanks!

 

I echo this. Wondering also what Rivet gun would best be used in this situation?

 

Watching...interested in struts for mine.

 

I used rivets and would recommend it.
But if you don't want to purchase a rivet gun, I would try using the screws provided. If they fail, then drill the holes to the proper size for the rivets and use rivets. Can't hurt trying...

 

Thanks, I guess my concern that I just thought about would be potential rust with the screws and the sheet metal? After drilling the proper size hole for rivets, I think you're supposed to coat the metal with whatever before installing the rivets. The rivets themselves wouldn't disturb the rust coating where as screws certainly would?

Or is rust not much of a concern given the location?

 

I mean it's always a good idea to cover any bare metal on your truck.
It would take a very long time for the small area of bare metal to rust enough that your screw/rivet is effected. But it all depends how well you take care of you truck.
I try to coat any bare metal when I can.

 

I just came to the realization that I needed struts on my taco after raising the hood on my Kia and finding it so wonderful to lift!! lol
I just ordered 70lb struts as 80 still seems like overkill. I'll follow up when I'm all installed.

$27 Vepagoo SE200PSS70 20" 70Lbs/311N Struts Shock for are Leer Truck Bed Tonneau Cover RV Bed Lift Support Camper Shell, Shed Window Floor Hatch Door, and Other DIY Applications, Set of 2.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BNBM4JKL?ie=UTF8&th=1

$16 10MM Ball Stud Mounting Bracket for Gas Struts Lift Supports Shocks Spring Prop 4PCS, Black 4PCS, Black

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MWK6DBF?smid=A1A7ZFHKP74422

 

Yeah the 80lbs are a little too much still.

 

Installed the Stiker kit... will watch this in case struts need replacing. One of the best and easiest mods I did.

 

So I installed my hood strut today. Yes, a single strut! I bought a 70 lb kit and discovered that a single strut from it was perfect to lift the hood and hold it in place. I think both would be too much. I’d include a video, but admins don’t allow it

it took all of 10 min to unpackage and install.

 

The only concern here is the leverage placed on the single strut mounting points when opening and closing since it’s not being distributed evenly to both sides. I could see the mounting holes where you used rivets or screws wearing out.

 

I've had the ball studs break off from to much lateral load

 

I’m digging that “get of the damn phone” horn. This is what I call the tailgater button.

 

I would agree but the sturdiness of the hood hinges and the multiple screws on both sides of the strut, I wager the frame will rust out before this becomes a concern.