05 Navigator Hood Does Not Stay Up - Ford Forums

JP - SoCal · 05-22-2009, 14:45

Hi,

I just bought a used 2005 Navigator with an aftermarket Alum Billet Grille. When the hood is open it will fall shut after a short while almost chopping off my head. Now, for safety, I use a piece of wood to prop open the hood. If I replace the stock hood struts with new ones from Ford will this fix the problem? Is there an aftermarket hood strut that is stronger that someone could recommend?

thank you.

JP-SoCal

**jwko** · 05-22-2009, 19:17

Replacing the struts will solve your problem. As for stronger struts, I don't have a clue. Maybe someone else can help you out with that.

JP - SoCal · 05-25-2009, 09:46

Thanks JWKO,

Does anyone else know if the aftermarket hood struts are stronger than stock ones? Remember I have a Billet Alum Grille.

JP - So Cal

**360ci** · 05-26-2009, 17:23

You don't have to buy dealer only parts. CarQuest/Napa or any other half decent parts place will sell you just as good OE struts. Stronger struts are out there, just not for an exact fit application. You'd have to install LONGER struts for better piece of mind, but with that comes pulling out the welder and tool box = not fun. On the bright side, you can use this opportunity if the new struts you purchase aren't much stronger to hold the hood up, to upgrade the hood itself to a fiberglass or aluminum unit :)