Summary
In this Tech Tuesday episode, the presenter walks viewers through the process of installing hood shocks on a Ford Bronco with a steel hood. He explains the advantages of using hood shocks over traditional prop rods, highlighting how they enhance the visual appeal and functionality of the vehicle by allowing the hood to lift automatically. The presenter provides a detailed list of necessary tools, including screwdrivers, a drill, and wrenches, and covers each step of the installation process, from mounting the fender bracket to attaching the hood bracket. He emphasizes the importance of proper orientation during installation to ensure optimal performance of the shocks. The episode concludes with a reminder for viewers to subscribe for more related content and encourages them to embrace the "Bronco lifestyle" by exploring various merchandise options.

Highlights
🚗 Ease of Installation: The presenter clarifies that installing hood shocks is straightforward and can significantly improve the user experience of lifting the hood.
🔧 Tools Required: A comprehensive list of tools required for the installation is provided, ensuring that viewers are wellprepared to tackle the project.
🛠️ Proper Orientation: Emphasis is placed on the correct orientation of the brackets and first components to ensure the shocks function properly.
🔍 Fabrication Tips: The need for minor fabrication is discussed, illustrating the adaptability required for installing the hood shocks on a steel hood.
✔️ Final Steps: The presenter meticulously goes through the final steps, ensuring the installation is thorough and complete.
💬 Community Engagement: An invitation to subscribe for more Broncorelated content builds a sense of community among viewers.
🎁 Bronco Merchandise Promotion: The presenter promotes Bronco merchandise, adding an element of lifestyle branding for enthusiasts.

Key Insights
🛠️ Installation StepbyStep:
The systematic approach to the installation process helps demystify the task for beginners. By breaking down the process into manageable steps, the presenter ensures that viewers can feel confident and capable of completing the installation themselves. The breakdown from tools needed to attaching different components teaches practical skills and enhances automotive DIY knowledge.

🚀 Benefits Over Prop Rods:
The switch from traditional hood prop rods to hood shocks is not just a style upgrade—it adds functionality. The presentation points out how the effortless operation of hood shocks improves user experience. They not only free up hands while working on the engine but also enhance the overall aesthetics by eliminating metal rods from the engine bay.

🤔 Consideration of Hood Materials:
The episode distinguishes between installations for steel and fiberglass hoods, indicating a necessity for specificity in automotive projects. This nuance is crucial for ensuring compatibility of products being installed, and it underscores the importance of understanding the material properties of the vehicle parts.

🧰 Importance of Tool Preparedness:
By clearly outlining the needed tools before beginning the installation, the presenter emphasizes good preparation as a foundation for success. Through this, the content promotes the idea that being wellequipped is essential for tackling any DIY project, minimizing interruptions during the installation process.

🕵️ Proper Orientation Matters:
A unique aspect of this tutorial is the attention paid to the orientation of various components during installation. Proper orientation mitigates issues like malfunctioning shocks, demonstrating how small mistakes can lead to larger problems. This knowledge underscores the importance of precision and attention to detail in automotive installations.

💡 Customization and Fabrication:
The need for minor adjustments and custom fabrication showcases the versatility required when working on vehicles. The presenter highlights that not every vehicle setup will be perfect, and being able to adapt components is part of the installation process. This insight encourages viewers to think creatively and employ problemsolving skills when faced with similar challenges.

🥳 Building a Community of Enthusiasts:
The presenter’s call for viewers to subscribe and engage indicates a targeted effort to build a community around the Bronco enthusiast culture. By creating a sense of belonging, the content draws in a specific audience interested in continual learning and sharing experiences related to the Ford Bronco. Ultimately, this fosters an immersive environment where tips, stories, and advice can be shared among enthusiasts.

Through this detailed look at the process of installing hood shocks, the Tech Tuesday episode not only educates viewers about the specific installation steps but also invites them to become a part of a larger community. By emphasizing preparation, functionality, and user experience, the episode clarifies the benefits of integrating hood shocks into a performance vehicle, encouraging both practical skills and lifestyle engagement.

How to Install Hood Struts on a Steel Hood

If you're tired of wrestling with that clunky prop rod every time you need to work under the hood of your early Bronco, we’ve got the perfect solution: hood struts. Not only do they offer a sleek, modern upgrade, but they also make it safer and easier to access your engine bay—especially for those with heavier steel hoods.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of installing hood struts on a steel hood, step by step. Whether you’re a seasoned Bronco builder or just getting started, this guide will help you get the job done right.

Why Upgrade to Hood Struts?

Let’s face it—prop rods are a relic of the past. Hood struts provide:

• Hands-free operation – No more fumbling with a rod while trying to open or close the hood.

• Better clearance – Hood struts lift the hood higher, giving you more working room.

• Clean, modern look – Struts clean up your engine bay appearance.

• Increased safety – Prevent accidental hood drops.

At WILD HORSES 4x4, we offer hood strut kits specifically designed for the classic 1966–1977 Ford Bronco, compatible with both factory and aftermarket steel hoods.

What You’ll Need

Before you begin, make sure you have the following:

• Hood strut kit (designed for steel hoods)

• Basic hand tools: drill, 3/16" drill bit, socket wrench, and screwdriver

• Tape measure or ruler

• Marker or center punch

• Safety glasses

Installation Steps

1. Position the Hood Brackets

Start with the hood-side brackets. Open the hood and support it securely (you can use your prop rod for now). The exact mounting position can vary depending on your hood and strut kit, but most kits include templates or measurements. Typically:

• Measure from the rear edge of the hood forward.

• Align the bracket parallel to the hood rib.

• Mark the mounting holes with a marker or center punch.

2. Drill the Mounting Holes

Using a 3/16" drill bit, carefully drill the holes where you marked. Be cautious not to drill too deep—just through the outer sheet metal.

Pro tip: Apply painter’s tape before drilling to reduce paint chipping.

3. Install the Hood Brackets

Secure the brackets using the provided self-tapping screws or hardware. Make sure they’re snug, but don’t overtighten and strip the metal.

4. Install the Fender Brackets

Move on to the fender-side brackets. These typically mount to existing fender bolts or use included rivet nuts if no pre-existing holes are available. Again, follow your kit’s instructions for proper placement.

5. Attach the Struts

With both brackets in place, it’s time to attach the struts. Most struts have ball sockets that snap onto the bracket studs. Install them with the cylinder body facing upward—this helps keep the seals lubricated and extends the life of the struts.

6. Test the Fit

Slowly raise and lower the hood to make sure everything moves smoothly. You should feel the struts engage and support the hood fully open. If the hood doesn’t lift all the way or feels stiff, double-check alignment and hardware tightness.

Tips for Steel Hoods

Steel hoods are heavier than fiberglass versions, so it’s important to use a kit rated for steel hoods. The struts in these kits are stronger and calibrated to handle the additional weight without sagging over time.

Also, avoid mixing and matching struts from different kits—improper pressure can damage your hood or hinges.

Ready to Upgrade?

Installing hood struts is one of the best small upgrades you can make to your early Bronco. It adds a modern touch and a whole lot of convenience. If you haven’t picked up your kit yet, check out our selection of Hood Strut Kits for Early Broncos—we’ve got options for both steel and fiberglass hoods, backed by real-world testing and our team’s Bronco expertise.

Got questions about your install? Our tech support team is always here to help. Give us a call or shoot us an email—we love talking Broncos.

Built for the trail. Proven in the garage. WILD HORSES 4x4.