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how I'm doing,
Deer Valley, Arizona
ZBUM's 1984 Nissan 300ZX WebSite
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This is one of the simpler tasks. It doesn't take that long and saves you from a lot of major headaches.
First, go to the local parts place and buy a set of replacement hood shocks. They run anywhere from $15 to $25 each. Buy a set that have a lifetime warrenty. This way, when they go bad again (4 or 5 years later) you get new ones for free. Yeah, e-bay is great, and you might get them for a better price, but why not do it once and be done with it? I just think some parts should be bought close by, in case you have to return it.
Tools requires
- Phillips Screwdriver
- Deep Well Socket - Sized according to new ball joint.
- Socket Wrench
Parts Needed
- 2 Hood Shocks
Time Required
- approximately 15 minutes
Steps
- Brace the hood in the up position. You probably have already been doing this with a stick or pipe or something, but do it again now. You don't want it coming down on you while you are working on it.
- Note the position and orientation of the shock. There are 2 phillips screws to remove to completely remove each shock. The hood support is still in place, right? Might as well do the other side at the same time. Both shocks are probably gone and not doing anything anyhow.
- Start the ball joints by hand. You don't want to cross thread them and risk ruining your hood or ball joints. Note that there are two mounting points. The lower mount is when you want to work on your car, and want to put the hood up even higher. Don't even think about putting a ball joint in that slot, because your hood will not close with it there.
- Note the old hood shock compared to the new one. When extended, they are the same length. Guess what, they should always be extended. Note the original shock contains no pressure what-so-ever. I actually had to force it to make it extend.
- When putting the new shocks on, start with the ball joint on the hood. If you start with the end in the engine bay, you may not be able to snap the hood side end in. Also note that a single brand new shock will hold the hood open. I wouldn't recommend only replacing one shock though. That's just asking for trouble.
