Let's install some Hood Struts!
The hood on the newer sprinters leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to the prop that keeps it open. You pop the hood then lift it up, then hold it up while you work your way over to the passenger side. Next hold the hood open with one hand and use the other to fiddle with the tiny hood prop and get it in place. What a crappy design. Luckily there is a solution....Gas Hood Struts!
Van shops are asking up to $150 for basically this same setup. While searching Amazon recently I came across a kit for $44 that looks just like the others. Ordered it up and it's time to install!
Install took about 10 minutes and now the hood is soooo easy and nice to open. Just pop the latch and lift the hood...done! Should have left the factory this way!
Supplies used:
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Hood Strut Kit:
CLICK HERE
Here's the kit installed and in action.
Kit components
You cut the provided pieces of silicone to take up the slack for the upper ball pin. I would have rather seen an aluminum bushing but the silicone actually worked great so I'll roll with it.
Factory hinge, drivers side.
Installing the upper ball joint pin in the existing holes.
Removing the factory hood prop and plastic bushing. The passenger side ball joint pin will mount in its place.
Does help to have a second person here. Snap the gas strut onto the upper ball joint and snap the lower bracket/ball joint onto the lower portion of the gas strut. Remove the factory 10mm bolt then have someone lift the hood up higher to give you clearance to slide in the bracket. Now just bolt it down with the OEM bolt you removed earlier. Done.
Hodakaguy