FJ-60 hood strut conversion

[GS 60]

Yes, I see some of the other guys have used brackets for job. Having said that, I was going to mount them as Mike @ mep1811 did in video at start of this thread. That is, use the existing spring hole on the body and just drill one new hole on each side of the hood as per Mike's clip. Although my HJ61 88 does not have the springs, the holes are there for it.
I guess putting brackets on does distribute the load better, however, if you need to adjust the locations if the hood is hitting the body or wiper covers, then the one new hole is better than have to move brackets ? Don't know?
Mike seems to be pleased with the one hole method , so I will try that?
What year is you LC?

 

[Seth S]

yet another photo from another long ago Mud thread:

 

[GS 60]

yet another photo from another long ago Mud thread:

Wow, those struts seem to be on the actual hinge?

 

[cruiserdan]

yet another photo from another long ago Mud thread:

One of my all-time favorite trucks. What's not to like about a 502 Merc with marine fuel injection

 

[GS 60]

One of my all-time favorite trucks. What's not to like about a 502 Merc with marine fuel injection

Not mad about the colour

 

[tmxmotorsports]

yet another photo from another long ago Mud thread:

Very interesting build

 

[Seth S]

Reminds me...spoke to someone awhile ago who had used a Volvo Penta marine engine for some build. I cannot remember who it was or what vehicle it was in....but their thought was that in hindsight it was a foolish one and they wouldn't do it again.

 

[GS 60]

Got struts and fitted , working fine. Decided to run with Mike's (Amazonia) spring bolt location. Had to change the hood bolt location as my struts were 17.4in, Mike"s must have been 20 inch ? Used 6.7mm drill and 8x 1.25 tap for hood.
I guess if you are going to use the spring mount hole, nearest to firewall, you just attach and see where the strut meets the hood, regardless of the strut length, making sure there are no obstructions when strut is compressed and sitting in body and also make sure the hood bolt location allows clearance to wiper cover. Apart from that, no issues.

 

[GS 60]

Hood height

 

[Seth S]

Looks great, nice write-up and photos too.

 

[dad4x4]

I know this has been talked about a lot but I wanted to share anyway. I wanted to do this modification so I purchased this kit from amazon and installed it today. It works great and the ball studs thread into the old hinge bolt hole. So far the easiest thing I’ve done to the 62.

 

[maxbob002]

I know this has been talked about a lot but I wanted to share anyway. I wanted to do this modification so I purchased this kit from amazon and installed it today. It works great and the ball studs thread into the old hinge bolt hole. So far the easiest thing I’ve done to the 62.

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Well I’m sold. Thanks for the description.

 

[dad4x4]

Well I’m sold. Thanks for the description.

Absolutely. It’s good to have an alternative to the $215 kit option thats out there

 

[ProwlerDriver]

mine is on the way... 25$ and direct bolt in?! Thanks for finding this!

 

[BHillteq]

I know this has been talked about a lot but I wanted to share anyway. I wanted to do this modification so I purchased this kit from amazon and installed it today. It works great and the ball studs thread into the old hinge bolt hole. So far the easiest thing I’ve done to the 62.

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Did you drill new holes for the hood? And did you use the supplied nut?

 

[dad4x4]

Did you drill new holes for the hood? And did you use the supplied nut?

Yes, I drilled and tapped the hood. I used the supplied hardware for the hood and used the original hinge holes for the lower ball stud.

 

[dad4x4]

I just happen to be in the shop.

 

[BHillteq]

I just happen to be in the shop.
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Awesome, thank you!

 

[BHillteq]

Yes, I drilled and tapped the hood. I used the supplied hardware for the hood and used the original hinge holes for the lower ball stud.

Do you happen to remember what size tap you used?

 

[dad4x4]

Do you happen to remember what size tap you used?

I don’t. It was easy finding the right tap by running the ball stud into a die. I tried a couple different drill bits on scrap metal before I was satisfied with the fit. I’m almost certain it’s a 1.25 thread and probably a 8mm.