Ford Performance Hood Struts

[Bruiser2017]

I bought my 2020 California Special convertible about three weeks ago and my first mod was to install the Ford Performance hood struts. They didn't take long to install even though the 3/4 inch hole in the battery cover was not large enough. My Dremel tool made quick work of making the hole the size it needed to be.

I kept having a problem with left side lower bracket twisting 5 to 10 (?) degrees, causing the strut to pop off. I tightened past the spec and it still twisted. I made sure the nut was side to side. No matter what I did, it kept twisting. I also noticed the hood would flex when I closed it. I didn't like that at all so I have taken the kit back off. When I took the kit off I noticed the lower right mount had twisted also, just not quite as much.

I am thinking of getting the Roush kit. I like the lower bracket design as it seems that it can't rotate. The upper brackets are longer and come past the hood bracket so they seem like they would offer more support there and hopefully prevent the hood flex. I just read a ten page long thread about hood struts and the Roush struts were mentioned, but only a few times. So does anyone actually have them? If so, how are they holding up?

Thanks,
-Bob

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[Flimflamman]

I haven't had any problems with my Ford struts, but yeah there is a little flex. Everyone that gets the Roush kits seems to like it, so I don't think you can go wrong with that.

 

[Bikeman315]

As you have read, the three most liked brands are Redline, Steeda, and, of course, Roush. The Roush are the most expensive so that’s a concern for many. Honestly you cannot go wrong with any of these.

 

[S550_Newbie]

I bought my 2020 California Special convertible about three weeks ago and my first mod was to install the Ford Performance hood struts. They didn't take long to install even though the 3/4 inch hole in the battery cover was not large enough. My Dremel tool made quick work of making the hole the size it needed to be.

I kept having a problem with left side lower bracket twisting 5 to 10 (?) degrees, causing the strut to pop off. I tightened past the spec and it still twisted. I made sure the nut was side to side. No matter what I did, it kept twisting. I also noticed the hood would flex when I closed it. I didn't like that at all so I have taken the kit back off. When I took the kit off I noticed the lower right mount had twisted also, just not quite as much.

I am thinking of getting the Roush kit. I like the lower bracket design as it seems that it can't rotate. The upper brackets are longer and come past the hood bracket so they seem like they would offer more support there and hopefully prevent the hood flex. I just read a ten page long thread about hood struts and the Roush struts were mentioned, but only a few times. So does anyone actually have them? If so, how are they holding up?

Thanks,
-Bob

Weird, I have a Cervinis hood and the Ford Performance hood struts were what they recommended because they are rated for a higher weight. Mine have been fine and I open the hood after every drive to let the engine cool better.

 

[Chef jpd]

I had FP struts, they also did the twist and after a year the bottom mount rusted.

Redline all the way, 3 years and still perfect.

 

[Linkster1666]

I love the Redlines and they have been nothing but exemplary with their product.

After a couple 130F days, mine are not so good when they are hot, not sure what they do in the cold, bad word around here.

That being said, I have faith in them in normal conditions, 2020 is NOT nominal, AT ALL.

 

[Arknsawchuck]

I bought my 2020 California Special convertible about three weeks ago and my first mod was to install the Ford Performance hood struts. They didn't take long to install even though the 3/4 inch hole in the battery cover was not large enough. My Dremel tool made quick work of making the hole the size it needed to be.

I kept having a problem with left side lower bracket twisting 5 to 10 (?) degrees, causing the strut to pop off. I tightened past the spec and it still twisted. I made sure the nut was side to side. No matter what I did, it kept twisting. I also noticed the hood would flex when I closed it. I didn't like that at all so I have taken the kit back off. When I took the kit off I noticed the lower right mount had twisted also, just not quite as much.

I am thinking of getting the Roush kit. I like the lower bracket design as it seems that it can't rotate. The upper brackets are longer and come past the hood bracket so they seem like they would offer more support there and hopefully prevent the hood flex. I just read a ten page long thread about hood struts and the Roush struts were mentioned, but only a few times. So does anyone actually have them? If so, how are they holding up?

Thanks,
-Bob

I had the same thing happen to mine on the same side with the Ford struts. Its not the struts, you don't have it on right. At least that is what mine was. If I recall correctly it was the bracket under the battery cover that was not on right. I repositioned mine and all is well.

 

[fatbillybob]

Hood struts! It's the way Ford should have built the car.

 

[lacanteen]

My Steeda struts have been flawless for over a year now.

 

[ORRadtech]

I did a lot of reading before I bought my Redline struts. I would have preferred the Ford struts because, well, Ford. But there was so many bad reports o them, like the twisting and flexing, I decided on the Redline. I've had them a few months with zero issues.
And I agree, they should be stock.

 

[schmeky]

Redlines on mine for nearly a year and -0- issues. I would not hesitate to buy them again.

 

[Polski]

I tried to put on the Ford ones and I took them off. Literally hood wouldn't close and the passenger side would twist as you mentioned once I got the hood to close. I will get redline now.

 

[carfixer]

Had the Redlines on my 14 GT500, my Bullitt will have the same. Superior quality.

 

[rangerryda]

Anyone have a link to the Redlines?

 

[Bikeman315]

Anyone have a link to the Redlines?

Here you go.

https://www.redlinetuning.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=Ford+Mustang+2018

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