Half price hood struts

If it lifts, it lifts.. Just waiting for OP to deliver a follow-up on if it works.

 

I’ve opened my hood maybe 10 times since I bought it in October 2015, only to wire in lights or do mods. Most recently to install bumper/winch/snorkel. I’ve never pulled the dipstick so checking fluids isn’t a selling point. it would be nice to have struts... can’t justify the cost of them though.

 

My man!

 

Excellent DIY OP. I am building mine also. I am using landcruiser struts instead, 17" inches extended, 11" compressed. Struts are generally cheap and the calculations are easy. Just match a similar truck hood weight. Mock up line up and drill.
I have the real calculation too.

 

Until it comes time to close the hood

 

All this talk about hood struts and not one picture. SMH

 

Are these the Redline struts?

 

Yup. The expensive SS version. Group buys are your friend.

Of course, and call me crazy, but I've been known to open my hood frequently for maintenance, mods and even being as frivolous as cleaning in there. Mostly though its mods and maintenance.

It's sorta like socks. I know I can wear shoes without them but I like treating myself every once and a while. So I buy those too.

 

OK I'll bite again!

Gas charged shocks work! They are awesome!

I would love to see if there is an alternative to the Redlines......

 

I liked how all the dimensions were already figured out and I basically drill, rivet where directed and done.

Amazon prime made it easy, I know I spent less than 90 + free 2 day shipping. So 30$ for me was worth it

 

Just wondering, could self tapping screws be used instead of rivets?

 

Not sure but redlines instructions specifically state to not substitute rivets with screws bolts etc

Edit: getting bolts (nuts) wouldn’t be possible and self tapping screws probably wouldnt stand up in the long haul.

 

They might strip out, or vibrate loose.

 

There were a lot of discussions about this on the Redline thread. Like you guys are saying, the general consensus among those that understood the properties of various fasteners was that the simple and easy solution for the masses is a rivet.

When installed properly and the parts are not abused they are permanent regardless of vibrations.

I'm not sure if it's even possible to use nuts/bolts. Sheet metal screws strip very easy when over tightened.

The one thing some people screw up on is not using some sort of bit stop and/or a dull bit for the hood brackets. Some people used a step bit and over drilled the holes too.

Trust me, I'm all for saving a buck and if the OP and anyone that follows can pull it off, I say it's like getting two 30 packs for free and who doesn't like free beer. I certainly applaud that.

 

I found this really funny for some reason. Everyone obviously has different wants and needs, but how much was a bumper/winch, and a SNORKEL?! haha. $60 hood struts are a deal!

 

I've only opened my hood a few times, but something about having a butter smooth open and close makes this worth it.

 

This was my question as well. $60 struts vs $$$$ bumper/winch/snorkel

 

Nice work OP.

 

I’d definitely recommend using a punch and get the new drill bit (I also taped 1/4” down from the tip) it was my first mod that actually modified the truck so I wasn’t taking chances lol

Oh I’m not knocking it at all, more power to you/them