Hood Struts from Redline

[RRXLT]

I always appreciate reviews on quality products and warnings against inferior products. Sounds like Redline makes a quality item.
However, I’m with Superj. I have a 2000 Ranger that I’ve always serviced myself and never realized the prop rod was in my way so I guess I’m won’t be needing struts on my 2025. I prefer dropping the hood the last few inches rather than shoving it down, anyway.

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[bigb]

The hood struts also allow the hood to open about 4-5" higher, which is a good thing for us tall people. I've never liked hood prop rods and the extra step needed just to check the oil at a fuel stop. Ford still puts them on the export trucks but they decided to cheap out on us here in the US. I didn't even get a hood insulation pad.

 

[superj]

i saw a hood insulation pad on ebay yesterday, in case you want one, @bigb

i totally understand the more clearance when fully opened. especially since most people are taller than i am so i never have the clearance issues

 

[some_guy]

Because it is 2026 and we have the technology...

One of the only [ITS CURRENT YEAR] arguments that is defensible

 

[some_guy]

Anyone have any issues with these in the American market because the hoods here are aluminum instead of steel?

 

[DanielRayJ]

does the hood prop not work? i see this is a semi popular thig to get but i don't understand the point. the hood is not heavy and the prop rod holds it perfectly fine so what are the struts helping with?

It works really well yes, but where I live the wind can gust at times and take your hood all the way back to the windshield. I try to always use a bungee cord to keep that

 

[bigb]

i saw a hood insulation pad on ebay yesterday, in case you want one, @bigb

It was one of the first things I did with my Ford points

 

[SoulMafia]

New Ranger owner here and I tried to skimp out on the hood struts and get a cheap set off of Amazon for $15. Yeah that didn't work out well and ended up sending them back. They didn't fit, the blind nuts wouldn't grab or stay in place and the hood only opened enough for me to peek inside.

I'm sure everyone already knows this but if you are thinking about hood struts, just get the Redline set. They are so much easier to install (their blind nut design is what makes it easy) and the parts and finish are high quality.

Yep, I subscribe to the buy once, cry once school of thought….

 

[cc1999]

Installed some Redline hood struts on one of my RRs yesterday.
‘Curious if the added structure will help or improve my hood flutter that I have on this one.

 

[alloyz250]

Redline is the way to go. I'm very happy with mine. Just make sure you put a towel or something around the frame installation area. I dropped a piece during the install and had to unassemble part of the fender to get it out.

I dropped the blind nut and spent an hour with an inspection mirror and telescopic magnet to retrieve it from inside the fender.

 

[cc1999]

I dropped the blind nut and spent an hour with an inspection mirror and telescopic magnet to retrieve it from inside the fender.

First one took about 5 min to install, however that second one took over 30 min, because we did the same thing. Lol

 

[Bear376]

The Mustang did not have factory struts until the 2024. Now they are factory installed, but the Ranger does not have them. Anyone else wonder about the coincidence of the timing?

 

[OxygenMask]

I fail to see why using the existing prop rod is such a hardship. But that's just me....

 

[alloyz250]

I fail to see why using the existing prop rod is such a hardship. But that's just me....

I have not seen a prop rod on a vehicle since my 73 Datsun 510. Clearly we have moved far away from them. A huge step backwards in my opinion. And considering the 10s of thousands of Ranger Struts sold, Others must agree!

 

[NM Mike]

I fail to see why using the existing prop rod is such a hardship. But that's just me....

Yeah, its a bit of a splurge perhaps. But I’d rather have struts holding up my hood than a strut controlling the descent of my tailgate. My head isn’t under the tailgate. Just my depreciated 2 cents.

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