Hood Prop Rod

Chloetar · 01-28-2007, 12:07 PM

Hi. Has anyone put an old-fashioned prop rod in their Jeep? My Grand Cherokee's hood supports lost their life a long time ago. If I'm home working on it, I usually find something in the garage to keep hood open.

I'd like to hear others' ideas on this because I'm sure a lot of people have the same problem. Looking to hear any and all feedback, but not looking to replace the hood struts with same.

Thanks.

legend6009 · 01-28-2007, 12:12 PM

well my zj has got the spring ones and they seem like the never fail, you could try to fab in some springs in like the zjs

if you need a picture of them i can get one for you

**Woody** · 01-28-2007, 12:14 PM

WJ's use lifting shocks. Another bad call by Chrysler.

G-16 · 01-28-2007, 12:29 PM

I am lazy and like you my shocks went out a long time ago, i just use the handle to a floor jack i have. i think it works really well, has an open end that fits over the head of a nut and the rubber handle makes sure it doesn't slide on the hood.

**Texas WJ** · 01-28-2007, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chloetar

Looking to hear any and all feedback, but not looking to replace the hood struts with same.

Thanks.

Why? They're like $20 a piece to replace. That's what, a single tank of gas?

I replaced my originals at 60K miles and now at 97K the replacements are still fine.

97 ZJ Steve · 01-28-2007, 04:06 PM

were u getting gas if it cost you $20 for a full tank hahaha

Chloetar · 01-28-2007, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas WJ

Why? They're like $20 a piece to replace. That's what, a single tank of gas?

I replaced my originals at 60K miles and now at 97K the replacements are still fine.

Just not lookin' to add same junk to the vehicle. My set went out at probably around 30K. I'd rather put the $40 to another use.

driabyor · 01-28-2007, 04:44 PM

orielly's are lifetime warranty... i have been thinking about some for my hatch, but ,like you say 40 bucks is 40 bucks..
If you know where you bought them take them back. most places use your phone numbers for proof that you have purchased stuff

**SteelBlue_WJ** · 01-28-2007, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 01 XJ Steve

were u getting gas if it cost you $20 for a full tank hahaha

do the math...
20 dollars for one shock
+ 20 dollars for the other
= 40 dollars

there are two lift shock on the hood.

40 bucks equals about a tank of gas.

I could kind of see if you were putting it on a crappy 20 year old vehicle to retro fit a proprod on, but your 2000 WJ is still a newer vehicle. I guess you could go through the trouble to pay to go into a junk yard, yank off a prop rod off an old F150 or similar sized truck, then pay them another couple of bucks to buy it. then take it home, figure out what points to drill into your body and then in the hood and make sure it fits and will lay down, extend, and seat properly with out issues and and at the correct angle... only to likely ghetto rig it after a few failed attempts. if you dont care to spend the 40 bucks or less for shocks I'm guessing you would give up on the prop rod idea half way, only to end up using a hammer or rubber mallet that you probably yanked from your tool box and keep in your jeep or when you need to look inside, wedging it in between body and hood.. just hope that the hammer doesnt slip off and the hood falls on your head, trust me it hurts... do your self a favor and get the shocks on ebay for 31 bucks plus 6 bucks shipping and you'll save your self all the trouble

Arkansas_WJ · 01-28-2007, 05:09 PM

the aftermarket shocks from like autozone or what ever have lifetime warranty also, so in theory its the last 40 you will have to spend on hood shocks.

JasonJ · 01-28-2007, 05:20 PM

I would get the shocks. I don't know about you, but $40 is a couple of pizzas, a few days of fast food, all sorts of things that money gets wasted on that would be better served keeping the hood from braining you, and it will. Ghetto prop rods always fail when you don't want them to...

gunthagunth · 01-28-2007, 05:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JasonJ

I would get the shocks. I don't know about you, but $40 is a couple of pizzas, a few days of fast food, all sorts of things that money gets wasted on that would be better served keeping the hood from braining you, and it will. Ghetto prop rods always fail when you don't want them to...

I have never seen a prop rod fail. Whether it be a bent one, rusty one, 2x4 broomstick, whatever. Still the gas props can be picked up at autozone.