Hood struts?

Here's a photo I found with my struts:



I found another pic...standing on a 3-step ladder and taking a "pano" photo--these struts do not present a problem with getting in the way of maintenance.

 

I went with Redline.

 

I went with Sokietech as well since I didn't want to drill.

 

Don't see how the struts are safer. Every car I've had with them the hood would close randomly. Never once had that happen with a rod.

Actually had it happen over this last weekend. Helping a buddy change the starter on his car and as I was going to put the jackstand under the car the hood slammed shut. Scared the shit out of me.

 

+1 on the spikers. install takes some time but it's worth it

 

I would not say struts are safer than the prop, but it may make a difference in how the struts are installed. I'm always cautious around the hood prop on my Explorer since it seems poorly designed and very loose.

I have the Spiker struts on the Tacoma, and mine are installed so that there is always tension in the opening direction. Even when closed. Once I pop the latch, and release the catch, the hood rises on it's own. It's a slow, controller rise and settles into the fully open position without slamming. The only way I could see my hood closing, is if both struts failed. One strut would easily hold the hood open, as that is how I located the second strut during install.

 

Add me to the list of happy Spiker strut owners. I followed R4T’s YouTube video for the install and other than having to use a relocation kit for the clutch reservoir (MT) it was an hour max.

 

They worked well for me. Quick, easy installation.

 

Make sure you guys carry a pair of Vise-grips to clamp the shaft when the strut seals inevitably start leaking and the hood won't stay up.

 

Or… we could just use the factory prop until we replace the broken strut.

 

I figured everyone would have the Vise-grips close already with all the under-hood work going on that the prop rod is interfering with.

 

I kind of feel the same way

Not something I've wanted and what the truck came with works fine for me.

Saying that, my Tundra came with them, they are nice but I would have been okay if they didn't have them. Also them being nice isn't enough for me to put them on my Tacoma. Just a preference for me though.

I see the appeal of them, and if people constantly open their hood it can be convenient and if it opens the hood a little higher

 

The weight of the hood struts?? They’re like a pound. About as much difference as driving your truck before and after eating breakfast.

 

"The bigger the dump, pay less at the pump."

 

I had the same scary moment with the drill bit. The hardest part for me was using a punch for the drill point. I took my time but PATIENCE is not one of my strong attributes.

I bought the QuickLift Plus and noticed the hood prop rod extends farther than the QuickLift Plus extends.

It's easy enough to disconnect the struts if I need higher lift. To date, I have not needed to do it.

I do oil checks at least twice a month...when I remember. When I'm on the ball, I'll check my wife's car as well as my Sport's oil level on Saturdays. Plus, I'll do a visual inspection checking fluid levels and anything out of the ordinary.

Oil changes are done on Dover AFB Auto Hobby Shop every 5K miles so I will definitely utilize the struts on my Sport.

 

I don't know anyone that have removed the prop, as it's a fine back up, if necessary, but I really prefer having the struts on my truck, because, as much as I love it, the Tacoma hood is STUPIDLY heavy, for what it is. I'm pretty sure it's close to twice as heavy as my old '90 Hilux hood.

 

My 07 FJ has hood struts, my wife's 10 Camry has hood struts, but my 19 Taco does not? But the metal bar gizmo on the Taco works just fine so it'll do pig, it'll do!

 

Zero issues with my Sokietech hood struts. Work fine and no holes to drill

 

When rust is a probability, no-drill is my preference.

 

Once you put the hood struts on, take off the pop rod and use a black push pin to cover the home. This makes it look more factory looking. I love the Spikers and the black looks OEM.