Hood Latch Issue

[Stangdriver1119]

I was wondering if anyone has problem like I do with my hood latch. I need to drop the hood from like a foot above and let it slam down for the hood to latch correctly. Just pushing down on won't latch it. I'm concerned because I want to get MRT's hood struts and get rid of my prop rod but I don't think my hood will close since the hood struts wouldn't let the hood slam down anymore. Any suggestions?

 

[98stangv8]

well, I have to slam mine too...and I have hood struts...they don't really "kick in" until you have the hood up a good ways...you can still drop it with no problems with the struts...

 

[helty]

yeah, i have the exact same problem. adjusting the hood stops helped for a while, but it always ends up having the same problem.

 

[Blinkstang]

Yeah I have the Redline Tuning struts as well and can still slam my hood shut.

 

[squares98]

ever try cleaning and lubing it, that always fixes the latch issue for me.

 

[stangGT97]

ever try cleaning and lubing it, that always fixes the latch issue for me.

yup. its recommended that you lube the latch every 3 months i believe. use white lithium spray grease, it may look like crap but it works like a charm. I actually broke my headlights from dropping the hood, the metal tabs that are part of the lense fell right off

 

[n0v8or]

After installing hood struts, I eliminated the "2 foot drop" by adding two 1/16"-thick plastic shims between the hood latch bracket and the top of the radiator support member. Remove the plastic top cover, loosen 2 bolts that retain the bracket plus 1 that retains the brace near the bottom of the radiator. Then raise the bracket and slip the shims under. Replace the bolts and try it out. If too loose/tight, remove or add shims.

I just lower the hood, push lightly, and it latches. Still no problems after 2+years.
I made the shims by cutting them with scissors from a black plastic VCR tape storage box (cost = 50 cents).

 

[Isaac-1]

Mine too, but it also pops open from time to time, mostly in cold weather (below freezing). The problem is now so bad that I have a new latch on order, per recomendation of the local dealership.

Ike

 

[xseler8]

Yeah I have the Redline Tuning struts as well and can still slam my hood shut.

My set up also. No problems at all. Dropping the hood from a foot distance is nornal on mine. The hood props do not imped. I'm using the Elite kit

 

[CRZYHRSGT]

Redlines with no problems here, too. BTW...I had heard a while back that they made the latch extra "stout" in order to keep the hood secure at highway speeds (b/c of the functionless hood scoop collecting air). That's just what I had read, but it does make sense...