Hood Supports
03-03-2015, 11:37 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Hood Supports
I'm shopping around to replace my weak hood supports. It looks the oem ones are around $80 for a pair, while others can be much cheaper. Is it worth it to shell out for the oem pair or in this application does it really matter? Possible recommendations from those who have replaced their supports?
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TacoBello (11-20-2016)
03-03-2015, 12:26 PM
#5
Registered Bunny
My 2 cents, from empirical evidence, don't try to get the cheapest ones if you live somewhere where it gets really cold.
Good friend of mine replaced his Mazda 6 trunk shocks by $15 OEM-like ones and in the winter when it gets under freezing point his shocks are not only weak, but it makes the trunk harder to open than if they weren't there. As if suction kept him from opening the trunk.
Good friend of mine replaced his Mazda 6 trunk shocks by $15 OEM-like ones and in the winter when it gets under freezing point his shocks are not only weak, but it makes the trunk harder to open than if they weren't there. As if suction kept him from opening the trunk.
03-03-2015, 12:30 PM
#7
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
+1 for rock auto
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
Last edited by guitarplayer16; 03-03-2015 at 12:38 PM.
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03-03-2015, 12:37 PM
#8
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
+35484 for rock auto. I had mine replaced a few months ago and got it from there.
03-03-2015, 12:45 PM
#9
Registered Bunny
+1 for rock auto
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
-"he.... he....*sniff*... his hood latch impaled him right in the occipital lobe and severed his posterior cerebral artery after his hood shocks failed while he was working on replacing his spark plugs"
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guitarplayer16 (03-03-2015)
03-03-2015, 12:51 PM
#11
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
I was working on the front engine mount and now I remember I didn't stick my hand up to stop the hood.
My hands were still down the engine, I had to duck and stick my elbow up.
My hands were still down the engine, I had to duck and stick my elbow up.
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03-03-2015, 02:53 PM
#13
Instructor
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the input guys.
This is why I'm in the market for a set. After driving some friends home, they left the rear dome light and I didn't notice. When I went to go drive the next day, it had killed my battery. I called a friend and when he came to jump me I forgot they were weak and the hood latch came down into my back. Luckily I wasn't completely hunched over or that it was my friend.
+1 for rock auto
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
I've heard many people going with strongarm also.
I HIGHLY recommend changing them out if they are weak or use a stick to prop the hood up when working
I've had two instances where I could have got seriously injured.
First instance was when the hood latch almost impaled my head but I saw the hood going down with my peripheral vision and stuck my hand up when it was 5 inches from impaling my head.
Second instance I almost lost my fingers when I was working on the side and saw the hood going down and quickly put my fingers about 4 inches from it being closed and kept it from slamming down.
Now that I look back I should just let it slam down and not stick my fingers in lol
03-03-2015, 06:35 PM
#17
Senior Moderator
iTrader: (1)
Sachs is the one I bought.
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03-03-2015, 06:48 PM
#20
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
My OEM ones say Stabilus and Stabilus is Sach's 
03-03-2015, 09:14 PM
#23
Instructor
Thread Starter
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03-03-2015, 10:24 PM
#30
Racer
Wait it came out to 80$ on my computer. Somethings not right.
How do you get ground (consolidated) as your shipping method? The cheapest method I have is priority mail at 42$...
Ok well the 2004-2005 hood lifts can be shipped using ground (consolidated). The 2006 can't. That's dumb.
How do you get ground (consolidated) as your shipping method? The cheapest method I have is priority mail at 42$...
Ok well the 2004-2005 hood lifts can be shipped using ground (consolidated). The 2006 can't. That's dumb.
Last edited by EddieOnAZ; 03-03-2015 at 10:33 PM.
03-03-2015, 10:42 PM
#31
Registered Bunny
Wait it came out to 80$ on my computer. Somethings not right.
How do you get ground (consolidated) as your shipping method? The cheapest method I have is priority mail at 42$...
Ok well the 2004-2005 hood lifts can be shipped using ground (consolidated). The 2006 can't. That's dumb.
How do you get ground (consolidated) as your shipping method? The cheapest method I have is priority mail at 42$...
Ok well the 2004-2005 hood lifts can be shipped using ground (consolidated). The 2006 can't. That's dumb.
03-03-2015, 10:46 PM
#32
Racer
Ohh well.
03-03-2015, 11:43 PM
#33
Taking a quick glance at this thread, I've noticed most people recommending the OEM part, which is made by Sachs (Stabilus owned). Yes, it might be a little cheaper than StrongArm, but HEAR ME OUT.
I'd like to take a different approach. My hood struts fail in anything below 50 degrees. I went the aftermarket route.
I highly, highly recommend you go with StrongArm 4160 hood supports, available on Amazon; I just installed them last week actually. Yes, they're $19.33 each, but I had Prime 2 day shipping, so roughly under $40, for FAR superior struts.
These lift the hood up much easier (the strut itself is made of better quality materials) , and make it a little harder to close the hood, which is a GOOD thing. You can use a good amount of force while pushing down, and won't have to worry about slamming the hood closed.
Also, noticed you guys talking about different part numbers up there for different years of TL. I had to do my fair share of research when I had to replace, and I've concluded that they all fit. 04-08. Strongarm 4160 was made for 2G and 3G TL's . I have an 07 TL-S, np with fitment.
For your convenience, here's a video on how to replace hood struts (easier than rotating your tires):
I'd like to take a different approach. My hood struts fail in anything below 50 degrees. I went the aftermarket route.
I highly, highly recommend you go with StrongArm 4160 hood supports, available on Amazon; I just installed them last week actually. Yes, they're $19.33 each, but I had Prime 2 day shipping, so roughly under $40, for FAR superior struts.
These lift the hood up much easier (the strut itself is made of better quality materials) , and make it a little harder to close the hood, which is a GOOD thing. You can use a good amount of force while pushing down, and won't have to worry about slamming the hood closed.
Also, noticed you guys talking about different part numbers up there for different years of TL. I had to do my fair share of research when I had to replace, and I've concluded that they all fit. 04-08. Strongarm 4160 was made for 2G and 3G TL's . I have an 07 TL-S, np with fitment.
For your convenience, here's a video on how to replace hood struts (easier than rotating your tires):
Last edited by OsK; 03-03-2015 at 11:46 PM.
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03-03-2015, 11:45 PM
#34
Race Director
iTrader: (8)
I know I'll be getting the StrongArm ones.
They keep popping up in these threads.
They keep popping up in these threads.
03-04-2015, 12:19 AM
#35
Instructor
Thread Starter
You said the 4160 was made for both 2G and 3G, but there is a 6351 on amazon for the 3G. I know where splitting hairs over dollars now, but if I'm understanding what you're saying, these are the same thing?
03-05-2015, 04:51 PM
#36
Hood Supports
I replaced these just last month.
I have a 2008 TL and purchased two lift supports from RockAuto. The ones mentioned by "justnspace" above are the exact units I ordered (SACHS Part#: SG365001) and cost me $13.66 each + $9.23 for shipping on both.
Sachs are Stabilus brand and the lift supports I received look identical to the stock units that came off my car and are also branded Stabilus like the originals.
I recently received an email from RockAuto with a 5% discount code to apply towards another purchase. However I don't have any need at the moment, so feel free and use this code on your next RockAuto order if you like. Code is: 2853957426268499
How to Use A Discount Code
Enter the code above in the "How Did You Hear About Us?" space on the checkout page (above your payment information). Do not enter any other text in that space or the discount will not apply. Click the "Apply" button and your discount will be subtracted from your parts order total.
Please note: Discount only valid for orders placed online. Code must be entered before order is submitted.
The discount takes 5% off our already-low prices. There's no limit on order size or the number of orders. Use the code for your next order, and share the code with anyone you know who works on cars or trucks.
This discount code expires on April 5, 2015 so don't wait!
Thanks again for buying your auto parts at RockAuto!
I have a 2008 TL and purchased two lift supports from RockAuto. The ones mentioned by "justnspace" above are the exact units I ordered (SACHS Part#: SG365001) and cost me $13.66 each + $9.23 for shipping on both.
Sachs are Stabilus brand and the lift supports I received look identical to the stock units that came off my car and are also branded Stabilus like the originals.
I recently received an email from RockAuto with a 5% discount code to apply towards another purchase. However I don't have any need at the moment, so feel free and use this code on your next RockAuto order if you like. Code is: 2853957426268499
How to Use A Discount Code
Enter the code above in the "How Did You Hear About Us?" space on the checkout page (above your payment information). Do not enter any other text in that space or the discount will not apply. Click the "Apply" button and your discount will be subtracted from your parts order total.
Please note: Discount only valid for orders placed online. Code must be entered before order is submitted.
The discount takes 5% off our already-low prices. There's no limit on order size or the number of orders. Use the code for your next order, and share the code with anyone you know who works on cars or trucks.
This discount code expires on April 5, 2015 so don't wait!
Thanks again for buying your auto parts at RockAuto!
03-08-2015, 03:49 AM
#38
Racer
Just replaced mine today with StrongArms today bought from Amazon, about $39-$40 shipped. Holy hell, these things are strong. After one was replaced, I was moving onto the second one and it pretty much still held up without anything. Also made me lose my grip upon closing and it sprung back up. I'd definitely recommend the StrongArms
03-10-2015, 09:06 PM
#39
Racer
I received the stabilus (Sachs) arms today, exactly 1 week after ordering them (very good shipping time for Canada standards).
They are very strong. If you have your hood opened 50-70% of the way and you let go the hood actually springs back up instead of falling down.
Installation was a breeze, no tools required, you simply rotate the upper part of one of the arms in order to have a left and a right one.
10/10
They are very strong. If you have your hood opened 50-70% of the way and you let go the hood actually springs back up instead of falling down.
Installation was a breeze, no tools required, you simply rotate the upper part of one of the arms in order to have a left and a right one.
10/10
