Redline Tuning Hood Quicklift for 2nd Gen-Now Available!

A few months back, the subject of aftermarket hood struts for 2nd gens came up after one of our members scored a set made for the Ranger, for his Explorer. I contacted the seller of these struts and through this thread, our trusty Lighting mod, Bill Kemp, got this Mounty done free of charge in order to spec a set for 2nd gen Explorers etc. His Mounty is now featured on the seller's website and instruction manual.

There are a lot of cases whereby 2nd generation Explorer owners have had issues with their OEM (and aftermarket) hood struts. I was personally trapped once when my hood slammed down unexpectedly and pinned my hand under the hood. Pretty painful (and scary) experience. I ended up just replacing the struts with another set up Strongarm struts (the same ones that failed). I'm going to score a set of these "Quicklifts" soon.

Anyhow, I locked down the other thread because it served its purposes. I just wanted the Forum to know that the struts are now officially available for 2nd gen Explorers/Mountaineers. Bill Kemp seemed pleased with the set he's using.

I have no connections to this seller whatsoever. I just believe in good products and these look like a winner. They also sell on eBay and they've got stellar feedback there.

Their website is here.

Instruction manual is here.

The stainless steel ones look awesome. Now I just need to save some money for them.

I just read through the instruction manual...what does one do if one does not have a rivet gun?

Paraphoe said:

I just read through the instruction manual...what does one do if one does not have a rivet gun?

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Buy one? They aren't that expensive, you might be able to get one as a loaner at an autoparts store.

techieman33 said:

The stainless steel ones look awesome. Now I just need to save some money for them.

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I'm debating between the black and stainless myself. If I know me, I'll upgrade (and get the stainless).

techieman33 said:

Buy one? They aren't that expensive, you might be able to get one as a loaner at an autoparts store.

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Will something like this do:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100135850

Haven't the slightest clue about rivet guns, haha.

Paraphoe said:

Will something like this do:

http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100135850

Haven't the slightest clue about rivet guns, haha.

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That link doesn't work. Pretty much any rivet gun should be fine though as long as it will use a 3/16" rivet.

techieman33 said:

That link doesn't work. Pretty much any rivet gun should be fine though as long as it will use a 3/16" rivet.

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Alright, thanks.

[/End hijack]

This is one of the few chances you'll have to support a company who offers Explorer-specific aftermarket parts.


That's the one you'll need, Paraphoe!

nice, only if I had some money.....

The Red Line guys are great and their product is also. IDK for sure but the difference in the struts seems to be the visiual covering. SS / blk.
All I know for sure is that they work! I'm really happy & pleased with the way they work.
And yes, I would definitely recommend them when you need to change the OEM's.

Looks like a nice product indeed. Nice how the rivets are black and they use quality brackets too.

Bill Kemp said:

IDK for sure but the difference in the struts seems to be the visiual covering. SS / blk.

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Bill, according to Redline, the SS is an upgraded design. 4 year warranty instead of 2 as well.

ttt

Are they priced per pair or each? I didn't see it specified but i's possible I missed it.

Dan Whitaker said:

Are they priced per pair or each? I didn't see it specified but i's possible I missed it.

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Prices are for both sides.

I'm making a move on a set in next day or two.

That's a hell of a deal. I replaced mine a few months ago with what ever the parts store sells & they were not much cheaper. Price wise that is. Quality wise they are way cheaper.

Am I the only one with original hood struts (95) that still work fine?

My liftgate ones are tired. I have to push it up the last three inches or so but the struts still hold it up.

KPT said:

Am I the only one with original hood struts (95) that still work fine?

My liftgate ones are tired. I have to push it up the last three inches or so but the struts still hold it up.

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I have the exact same situation.

I replaced mine of my 99 to see how trhe aftermarket struts do, my OEM stuff was working okay. Now I do have top help the hatch up some, it was better with the OEM struts. They have identical markings as OEM struts, so I think something changed, they aren't as strong as they used to be.

My 98 truck is fine, other than the hood sometimes slows near the top in Winter.