my hood wont close

[95RangerAK]

after being under it so much and the numerous opening and closing since ive owned it the hood wont close. it closes but doesnt latch. inside the hood release feels very loose and at the latch it looks like it should work but i dont really know since i dont have another gen 3 to compare it too. anyone have any ideas for how to fix or replace?

 

[Hazmat Ranger]

I would begin by checking the latch assembly, there is a spring in there somewhere, maybe it has broken and is not allowing the latch to work properly.

Time for some hood pins and get rid of the latch all together or Duct Tape LOL.

 

[95RangerAK]

is hood pins the only way to go? i would really like to have the stock hood latch working again.. dont like the idea of hood pins without a v8 under them...

 

[JoshT]

Spray it down with some PB Blaster or something of the type. It may be that it has just gotten sticky.

Something that I've had happen on my 84 is that it just got knocked out of adjustment. Not sure how it happened, but a slight upwards adjustment of the catch and it was good to go.

With you saying it feels loose in the cab I really think it's just gotten gummed up. so spray down the latch and if you can figure out how, try to get some lube of some type up inside of the cable housing as well.

 

[95RangerAK]

yea i looked down in there and everything looked ok. my friend was able to use a screw driver and somehow pop it so it would close... but that doesnt work anymore. i have to use a bunjy to keep it from popping open and crushing my winsheild. im guessing i have to take the mechanism apart and figure it out but if anyone knows how to fix it or replace the latching part that would be sick.

 

[ILLEGALCONCEPTS]

Like JoshT said, try adjusting it. I had issues with my 96 and all it took was a little time and it was working properly again. When I got my 95 I had to drop the hood shut for almost full open. I lubes it up and did some adjusting and it closes as nice as my 96.

James

 

[irishblessing]

this happend to me also my hood latch actually fell off i had to put new bolts and spacers on it a center it up again my hood will close now but i have to slam it or let it drop wd40 or pb the hell out of it and just let it drop

 

[IRKillroy]

when I worked at Valvoline Instand Oil Change... some hood latches did this often... it's not just you.

road grime with other crap gums up the mechinism... PB blaster or WD-40 it while dropping it shut until it starts to latch again... though as suggested I'd make sure it's lined up properly first.... but eventually it will free up and work again.

once it's working freely, don't put grease on there like someone else might have... it'll only attract more grime and you'll have to start all over again.

 

[95RangerAK]

my hood line from the mechanism inside the cab to the latch assembly was rusted and just straight fudded up. so i got a new one and put it in and it opens with my pinky, real nice like.

 

[95RangerAK]

Does anyone know if we are supposed to close threads or anything like that? Are the moderators closing them if they have run their course? Or am i stupid and misteakan..

 

[IRKillroy]

don't worry about it... it's not important.