I am in need of hood struts for my 03. Due to a series of unfortunate events, I ended up cutting mine off. They were pretty good for 12-year old struts and held up that heavy hood very well.
Has anyone tried the Tuff Support 612968 or Strong Arm 6455 struts? How are they working for you?
For those that like details or want to kill boredom, read below:
1. Needed to paint hood and trunk. I paid to get it done in 2014. Awesome paint job, iffy panel re-installation.
2. Due to my obsession with symmetry, I monkey around with the hood and while tightening the hinges one of the studs breaks. And it's passable, but when 25% of the support system goes, things look goofy. Can't think of a way to repair in the area, sad story.
3. Buy a "cheap" replacement hood from a junkyard (Nothing is really cheap for these cars)
4. Choose not to install it yet until it's painted. So after replacing my engine, the old hood goes back on.
5. 2016. Finally ready to install the newer hood, but the 12mm bolts on either end of the struts won't budge. No penetrant or tool could break them loose over a week's period. Note that the OEM ones don't use a U-Clip like most modern applications. The ball is permanently in the socket.
6. Being one averse to frustration and stress, I bring out the handy angle grinder and cut the rods. Good, I think. The hood can now be removed with a stubby of the strut, while the other stubby remains in the engine bay.
7. Too bad the bolts still won't move. So I apply some angle grinder justice, and FINALLY I'm able to use a socket & ratchet to remove the ball-less bolts.
Carnage
Taking measurements. Too bad I can't safely tell the true compressed length.
I bet this was a smart idea implemented with good intentions.
Closest matches at O'Reillys. OEM in the middle, Stabilus SG330094 on the left, S314062 on the right (Beefy one this). I actually considered them, because I figured the extra length wouldn't be a problem going up. It's the going down I was worried about, too long and I could buckle the hood. Too expensive to experiment with.
need some "help" to get it up 