Hood Struts to replace springs??? Anyone done it yet?

[robertcrav]

Since my hood is glass now, the springs have been ditched...has anyone added gas struts?

I found this Build over on FSB, but was curious if anyone over here has done it...
http://www.fullsizebronco.com/forum/sho ... p?t=214693

[yikes]

Paul Wilson has. I thought he had a write-up on here somewhere.

[robertcrav]

Paul Wilson has. I thought he had a write-up on here somewhere.

damn....I searched a few different ways... thanks Brian, I'll cyber stalk him and see if I can find it

[BajaBronco13]

Robert,

You can also try Glen at Complete Fabrication in Santee. I spoke to Paul via PM long time ago about those hood struts and I know Glen did the work on that Bronco and that hood.

Chris

[philofab]

Check NLOC, Lightning guys have been doing it for years... Someone makes a kit.

[baja-chris]

I have struts on my hood, the local auto parts place (Kragen, Autozone, etc) has a ton of them to choose from.
Figure out what length you want, take your tape measure to the store and buy a pair.
If they don't hold the hood up, google the part number and figure out what number for the stiffer one is, and go exchange them.
Stiffness depends on where you mount them, what leverage they have, which hood you use and how heavy it is. Trial and error.

[robertcrav]

Thanks gentlemen.... I'll continue to research and let you guys know what I come up with

[robertcrav]

Check NLOC, Lightning guys have been doing it for years... Someone makes a kit.

Philo is the winner...

http://www.nloc.net/vbforum/faq-section ... hoods.html

http://www.redlinetuning.com/QL-FORD-RANGER-9307.html

[PaulW]

[quote="robertcrav"]Since my hood is glass now, the springs have been ditched...has anyone added gas struts?
=======
4 rigs all have struts. Easy install. The Jeep is trick and I had to buy a kit. Broncos are simple.
Wild horses and BC Broncos sell kits. Both have proper brackets that are simple. DIY brackets would work fine. The big drawback is these vendors use to low spring force. They use 40# units and 60 is my choice.
I had a hard time finding replacement struts when mine failed after 5 or so years. Now days most all the auto stores have them in stock.
For my 96 there are some pics on my thread search by my user name. I will look later.
PW

[PaulW]

Glass hood install pics
The fuzzy pic is the WH lower bracket welded to the fender tube.
Study the geometry in the other pics for a heads up on location.
PW

[cs_drums]

Oh great, thanks guys... another project to add to the list hahah. Any part numbers for the struts you are using? Sinlge strut or both sides?

[PaulW]

Oh great, thanks guys... another project to add to the list hahah. Any part numbers for the struts you are using? Sinlge strut or both sides?

======
2 struts for Broncos. 60 lb for DIY 40 for the kits. Use 60 for replacement of the 40s.
For DIY buy by length and force at any auto store. Part numbers vary all over the place.
PW

[robertcrav]

Awesome! Thanks Paul!

[tcm glx]

Group buy!!!!

[Wrightracing.net]

Thanks Paul, that will have to be on the list of to does...

David...

[Wrightracing.net]

Paul, what length of strut did you use?

David...

[PaulW]

I used the Wild Horses kit. Then promptly replaced the 40 lb struts with 60 Lb ones. They make a nice fender bracket to save you some time. Length lost. Data went with the new owner. Search for my write up. I wonder if I told the length?

[Wrightracing.net]

Thanks Paul.


David...

[PaulW]

David,
Just found my note for my gas springs on my bulletin board here in Durango.
length 400mm (19.7") and 300mm (11.8")
WH kit 3613NX-180, 40# replaced with struts from SUSPA
SUSPA Old number 16-08316 for the 60# one. New number C16-08260, 267N= 60#

Bought the springs for the 72 from WH 500mm, 210mm 150N Very marginal force at 28#
Autozone sells struts try to m-fins a match for the SUSPA above.

[Wrightracing.net]

Thank you Paul. I am going to do this on my Bronco.

David...