Ford Racing M-16826-MA Hood Lift Kit

installation was easy, but you gotta have the right tools. Simple and effective upgrade!

I like to tinker with my cars. And nothing it more irritating than working around that center hood prop-bar.These are nice. Pretty easy to install the directions are pretty good but there’s a YT video out there that explains one slightly confusing point.Word of caution. Tighten the bolts down HARD. My passenger side wasn’t as tight as it should’ve been and it twisted in place and the shock came off. It scratched the paint under the hood.

Why Ford ever installed a "prop rod" on a "hot rod" is beyond me. I've been frustrated every time I check the oil on my Mustang GT convertible. I kept asking, why, Ford, WHY ???Then I saw this on another Mustang and started looking. I found the kit, ordered it and installed it in about 45 minutes.... There are NO modifications to the car body required. The only change to OEM Ford parts is a 1" hole drilled in the plastic battery cover. So, no concerns for drilling in metal, having unfinished edges or future rust from the mod.For now, I'm leaving the the prop rod installed, but plan to eventually remove it once I get a bit more confidence in the gas pistons. But, so far it's working perfectly.

Installation took 15 minutes and 5 of those were spent reading the directions. There is a YouTube video on the Ford Performance hood struts make sure to watch it.Tools needed:Common sensePatience13mm ratchet socket, do not use pliers or wrenchAllen key can’t remeber size as I have every tool needed in my garageDrill and 1” drill bit will not work with any other sizeExtremely easy installation and look great. Tossed the stupid hood prop in the trash where it belongs.

They fit perfectly and are made of good material.

What a huge difference not having to use the pole and hook to hold the hood open. The 2 pumps hold the hood up with ease. I have 2 things to keep in mind for your benefit, both good.1. Do not remove the metal rod unless it really, really bugs you. Piston failure is not unheard of. There may come a time when you need that support and be happy you can fall back on it, like I had too.2. I wish Ford Performance had given a torque setting for tightening the the drivers side frame bracket by the strut tower. I've needed to tighten down the bracket twice because the weight of the hood twisted the bracket forwards, shifting the hood and opening the seam gap on the passenger side. I didn't have it tight enough. The metal rod allowed me to relieved the pressure on the bracket so I could tighten it more. That's where torque # would be helpful. I didn't want to snap the bolt by overtightening it. All correctable and quick to do! I recommend these if you you don't have them already.

This didn't fit my 2006 Mustang GT. Earlier models are missing the 3rd hood bolt needed to mount the hood bracket. Fender is missing slot for fender hood bracket. Mind has a slot but it's not in the right place and much too small. This info is missing on the item sell page. If your Stang doesn't have the 3rd hood bolt or the recessed fender slot don't buy this kit. BooHoo!Returning to Amazon

The struts themselves are great, but the mounting hardware is cheap. My first suggestion is to actually read the instructions from Ford and not to use YouTube videos for the install. Next, I wouldn't even use the lock washers that come with it, go to your local hardware store and get some quality ones instead. I had the same issue as another review where the bracket kept twisting and dug into the paint. Once I replaced the washers, it held enough to securely tighten them without the bracket twisting too much (sadly the paint was already damaged but it's hard to see now). The only downside to my new washers is that they're stainless steel and not black, but it doesn't standout enough to notice unless you're looking for it. Also be sure to check your wiper fluid line to make sure it's not getting pinched after install. All that being said, this should have come standard on Mustangs so it hardly deserves a 3 star review.