AlkyIROC

I originally wanted to start this thread to find out if there was any way to convert the third gen pin/clip hood shock to a ball mount style. I searched locally, but not at the dealer, to see if anything like OEM was available and these hood shocks seem to be hard to find at all the local parts suppliers. Before I started this thread however, I did find a new set on Amazon for a good price and ordered a set but I'm still wondering about a conversion since the the ball mount struts are everywhere.

I'd convert my hood to a complete lift off if it wasn't so big. I'd need to take it all after every pass down the track just to put fuel in the car so easy opening with hinges is much better and having a stick to hold the hood up is not acceptable. Not to mention trying to lift this huge hood over the tunnel ram stuff.

1989karr

I've wondered about this too...........


perhaps you need the kit for the S-10s and just need to install lthe ball brackets where the mounts would be or right next to the original 3rd gen mount points.


Getting the correct strut rating charge would be hard though

TTOP350

iTrader: (8)

I'm guessing you could grind off the swedged side of the hood studs, knock them out, measure the hole then order ***** with the correct size threaded stud and install.
next would be getting the correct length and poundage rating for the hood being used

AlkyIROC

I got the new struts a few days ago. They'll work but I screwed up. Should have gotten the ones for a fiberglass hood. Just as long as I grab the hood from the front and not the sides, it shouldn't break the hood but the new struts are strong.

Switching to a ball mount might be a good idea. After changing the struts, I found the pins are very worn. I suppose I could just weld them and grind them back to size.

Vader

It might be better to use hard facing filler material (different alloy) and then re-form the pins to shape. Standard filler rod alloys are usually a decent tensile strength but not commonly hard enough for a wear surface like the applcation would suggest.

AlkyIROC

That's why I like the ball mount idea.

1989karr

I just did a little research... the stock steel hood struts have like double the force of the ones for the fiberglass hood... Id probably look into getting the right ones if I were you.


Compressed length is like 7.99inches and extended is 12.8 and diameter is like 19mm


If you can find one that would meet the specs... or maybe account for different mounting for compressed length...then I think this would work.