Ok, spent a little time this weekend tackling the problem of installing the IAG gas hood strut on the "snorkel side" of my Everglades. There are issues that must be addressed at both ends of the strut. 1) the bottom pivot must be moved; 2) the top (hood) pivot must be moved. Easy right? Well...
Issue 1: My plan was to create a custom mount secured with at least 2 bolts that would move the fender-side pivot mount inboard in order to provide clearance for the snorkel - as it snakes its way into the engine compartment. I decided on the two bolts used to secure the coolant bottle at the firewall.
I fashioned a template using construction paper, got the bolt spacing, checked clearances, and then cut the mounting plate out of some 14 gauge sheet metal.
Next, I cut a piece of angle iron to provide a backing support for the IAG mount. This was then welded to the plate.
The IAG hardware was then welded to the opposite side, prep'd, and then painted black. Here's the plate mounted in the vehicle. Not the prettiest thing but its just a prototype
Issue 2: The other issue was the hood pivot point, the strut mounting ball at the top makes direct contact with the snorkel (see arrow/marks). While Ford decide to mount the ECU next to the snorkel, there is a small little gap that would allow the strut to pass, if the connection point was moved about 2 inches to the right (see other arrow).
IMO, there is no way of getting past the point of drilling a new hole here. So, I drilled a 1/2 inch hole in the hood support and secured the factory IAG mounting ball. This allowed the top of the strut rest between the snorkel and the ECU support.
With these modifications, I can tell you that the hood strut works great and doesn't have any clearance issues. The only problem I have with this setup is the fact that strut is on an angle. I could redo the bottom mount to move the base inward to align better with the top mount or move it back slightly. I will certainly take any suggestions y'all may have. Thanks!
Issue 1: My plan was to create a custom mount secured with at least 2 bolts that would move the fender-side pivot mount inboard in order to provide clearance for the snorkel - as it snakes its way into the engine compartment. I decided on the two bolts used to secure the coolant bottle at the firewall.
I fashioned a template using construction paper, got the bolt spacing, checked clearances, and then cut the mounting plate out of some 14 gauge sheet metal.
Next, I cut a piece of angle iron to provide a backing support for the IAG mount. This was then welded to the plate.
The IAG hardware was then welded to the opposite side, prep'd, and then painted black. Here's the plate mounted in the vehicle. Not the prettiest thing but its just a prototype
Issue 2: The other issue was the hood pivot point, the strut mounting ball at the top makes direct contact with the snorkel (see arrow/marks). While Ford decide to mount the ECU next to the snorkel, there is a small little gap that would allow the strut to pass, if the connection point was moved about 2 inches to the right (see other arrow).
IMO, there is no way of getting past the point of drilling a new hole here. So, I drilled a 1/2 inch hole in the hood support and secured the factory IAG mounting ball. This allowed the top of the strut rest between the snorkel and the ECU support.
With these modifications, I can tell you that the hood strut works great and doesn't have any clearance issues. The only problem I have with this setup is the fact that strut is on an angle. I could redo the bottom mount to move the base inward to align better with the top mount or move it back slightly. I will certainly take any suggestions y'all may have. Thanks!
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