I'm thinking about ditching the prop rod for a pair of good hood struts. My Crown Vic uses struts from the factory and it appears they simply bolt on at 2 points per strut. I don't understand why Ford used struts for the trunk and not the hood.

I looked at the strut kits for the 05-up GTs and they use huge brackets. I just want something that doesn't require drilling and is OEM-quality. Which kit(s) should I consider?

 

I found an older thread and it appears CDC and MRT make such a product for $100-$110. I read the CDC instructions and it says something about re-aligning the hood. How hard is it to do this? The only reason I want struts is to avoid the possibility of twisting the hood while using the prop rod (uneven support). Plus, the prop rod sort of digs into the paint. As for the chipping paint on the bolts, you can buy a small 2-in-1 touch up paint applicator at AutoZone or your Ford parts dealer.

 

I'm Very happy with my MRT's. Do one side at a time and no realignment issues.

 

There are also Redlines and Prolifts available. You have to drill holes with the Redlines, which i wasn't prepared to do! I had the Prolifts on my 05 V6, they were ok, got them for like $60 on Ebay. I think I may get the MRTs for my GT. They look pretty good. I'll probably rip the huge MRT stickers off though, lol.

 

Both MRT and CDC are located in MI so I did some checking... MRT is listed as a dealer for CDC products. What are the chances the MRT hood struts are just CDC's with the brackets powdercoated black for $10 more?

 

Yeah they sure look the same don't they?

 

Go with Redlines... they do need drilling, but it's simple thing to do and you don't have fugly brackets with bolt-on kits...

 

They're exactly the same. The only difference is the sticker and like you pointed out already MRT powedercoats them. I bought the CDC one's and painted them black to match my car. I didn't have any alingment issues. If you want to gurantee you don't have problems have a friend hold the hood instead of using the prop rod.

 

yeah but the struts get in your way when working on the engine...

 

Steeda has some listed too, I wonder if they are the same.

 

I loves me my MRT's

 

There is no drilling with the MRT's!
just a quick 10 minute job, one of the best mods I have done to the car, I never have liked the "prop rods" dont know why Ford put them on the Mustang, it such a nice car!

 

These are the Redlines. Drilling the holes for these is no problem.

 

Go with the Redline Tuning struts. I've had them on for almost a year, with no problems, and they look factory. Plus, if you EVER have a problem, Brian from Redline is a stand-up guy, and will fix any problem you have. A+ customer service!!!

 

I put the CDC ones on our '06 and love them. No drilling and no alignment issues. You don't take all the bolts out to install them so how can the hold get mis-aligned? Just do one side at a time and take out only the bolts needed. No issues with them getting in the way working on the engine either. They're really far back on the hood. And as a hidden plus the hood open farther with the struts than with the prop rod.
Rich

 

MRT... MRT... MRT...

No drilling, no hassle, GREAT mod!

 

MRT's only extend 3'' into the engine bay. You dont want redlines.

 

What about the Steedas? Does anyone have the install sheet for the Steeda struts?

 

I have the MRT. Six bolt out then back in and bamm you finished. As said before, their not in your way when working on engine and another plus hood opens higher.

 

Does the wiper fluid hose get stretched? Or are there clips to hold it somewhere?