prop rod

[Kendo]

I was planning on tackling this very issue with my '91 FJ80 this weekend -- but rather than buy a new one, I was hoping to find a workable hood support rod at my local PicknPull.

The PicknPull doesn't have any FJ60s, so does anyone know if I can pull one from either an '89 or '91 4Runner?

 

[80t0ylc]

I was planning on tackling this very issue with my '91 FJ80 this weekend -- but rather than buy a new one, I was hoping to find a workable hood support rod at my local PicknPull.

The PicknPull doesn't have any FJ60s, so does anyone know if I can pull one from either an '89 or '91 4Runner?

I just measured what I thought I needed (approx 36") and pulled 1 off a truck (think it was a Nissan) that pivoted on same side (RH). Took the rubber bushing and the holder clip, too. My U-pull-it has no Landcruisers at all. When you get the rod home you can custom bend/form it to lay properly and still reach the hood. Might have to fine tune the hood fitting end also. When done it works like a charm.

 

[Kendo]

Excellent! I'm looking forward to not resting my hood on my head while I poke around the engine.

 

[nuclearlemon]

hmmmm...and i was thinking of replacing my failing struts....guess i'm going junkyard shopping instead. thanks for all the info.

 

[TX Cruiser]

Why not just get one of these? Works on you other rig that has blown out hood struts too!

 

[grizzlygibbs]

Now that's a great idea!

 

[HarleyHetz]

Now that's a great idea!

Until you forget to remove it before attempting to close the hood...

 

[TX Cruiser]

In all my wrenching days, I've never left one in place. I don't see how you could damage anything unless you always muscle the hood down and slam it shut. You're more likely to damage the hood by leaving a wrench in the way.

I don't care for hood props, they get in the way, and when they get dislodged you have the same problem you were trying to resolve.

It is pretty cool that that a prop rod can be fitted though.

 

[80t0ylc]

Why not just get one of these? Works on you other rig that has blown out hood struts too!

I just was thinking something like this would work great. Where can you get these? The yellow body looks plastic, how does it hold up? Seems like it would snap at the thinnest part because you'd need to crank it down fairly tight to hold. Also seems like you'd be scratching up the shaft with the end of the metal screw.

 

[Tools R Us]

Pin your fingers in there 1x and you will never ask that question again.

Yep, this is the scenario: The hood is up, your working under the front, in this case PHH, so in the wheel well, grab the top of the fender to pull yourself up and the hood comes down. Must have hurt, he was yelling pretty good!

The hood fully locked, not just the first catch, so he was well trapped, luckily I was there to release him! If he had been working alone it would have been less fun. He couldn't reach the release, so the choices would be: Yelling and hope someone hears, call someone on the cell phone or big prybar/screwdriver. Not a good time.

 

[Tools R Us]

In all my wrenching days, I've never left one in place. I don't see how you could damage anything unless you always muscle the hood down and slam it shut. You're more likely to damage the hood by leaving a wrench in the way.

I have see several hoods bent because of them. It doesn't take as much force as you would think. Hoods are made to bend in an accident, so are relatively weak. From the strut support point to the front of the hood, you have a pretty good amount of leverage, so carnage is relatively easy.

I don't care for hood props, they get in the way, and when they get dislodged you have the same problem you were trying to resolve.

It is pretty cool that that a prop rod can be fitted though.

I agree that a prop rod can get in the way, but for my use they win. It would be an easy retofit, with a couple of simple bends, most that I have looked at would work, FJ60, mini, 4runner, Tacoma, etc.

My struts are good, but having the rod allows for extra security when I choose to use it, without having to carry/look for another tool.

 

[nuclearlemon]

Did this a couple weekends ago, came in handy on our snow run, when it was windy