JL Hood Latches on a JK Wrangler - Install and Review

[@JKGearandGadgets]

amzn.to/2Q8OHbI

[@CrewdogF15]

The promo code is not valid

[@armedbushido]

Worked for me!

[@billbraski2452]

I just bought a set, the code worked for me. Save me 18 bucks!

[@Dante-hd8kn]

Just ordered

[@blowpipe1031]

We did this to my Jeep about as soon as the JL hit the market and you don’t have to drill I took the alignment tabs off the body side and the hood side I just made shorter and the alignment is perfect. And no need to touch up paint or drill metal. Just a trim on the cheap good side part.

[@bmac6721]

Made the tabs shorter on the hood side?

[@adboles]

This is one of the best DIY modification videos I've seen. Great attention to detail, great explanations and easy step by step process.

[@supersportimpalass]

Tip when drilling the holes out in sheet metal is to use a step Uni-bit. It drills a lot nicer and wont catch like a twist bit will. It also makes a nicer rounder hole.

[@timdunlap7565]

Just installed mine. I took the grill off and used a 13mm ratchet wrench with a swivel for the bottom nuts. Good point about not over tightening. In fact, I tighten the factory nuts before removing and confirmed they were not very tight. Thanks for the free shipping code!

[@212caboose]

You are an enabler! I just did this to my Jeep- couldn't be happier! Thanks!!

[@ryantepley3662]

The "tooth" on the top part of my JK hood latch broke off so it was barely hanging on. Saw this and stole yet another mod idea from Ben at JK Gear and Gadgets. Went on easy, looks better and functions better! Thanks again man!

[@giannini2011]

Installed on a 2017 JKS and didn't have to drill. I was installing them on a hot day so I think it made the plastic tabs a little more flexible so as I slowly ratcheted down the fender latch the tabs pressed into the undrilled holes. No drilling also allowed me to keep the hood aligned.

[@CovertOutdoors]

Just did this to mine. Awesome mod. Reason it seems to drill the wholes to 3/8 is to get adjustment to align properly. Thanks for the video and great mod.

[@AshleyHaveard]

So glad I ran across this video. Just got my JK a few weeks ago and the hood was fluttering. Did the swap tonight and it is locked down tight and looks way better with these instead of stock.

[@Ihaveadashcam]

I literally was about to comment yesterday saying Get metal hood latches but I fell asleep.You read my mind.

[@jeremystorz5543]

Thanks I did one side and it didn’t sit well then watched the video and realized the drilling is necessary. You’re awesome man love your videos. Learning a lot and getting great ideas for my JK!!!

[@American_Jeeper]

Just found your video today, after Googling "JK hood latches" I just got my '08 JKU Sahara and hood flutter bugs the heck out of me, and even though this is four years after the fact, thanks for this vid!

[@cobra4v320]

Just did this to mine. Drilled everything 3/8 fit with no issues. This video helped thanks.

[@kevincox4043]

Thank you so much for this. I was able to get away with only drilling the top two holes for the latch. Everything lined up and worked perfect (2012 JK Sport). So worth it!

[@seangottke4936]

I’ve gotten a lot of feed back from those latches we put on our Jeeps. So many others are ordering them that Mopar has them on back order. Crazy!!!

[@DannyDelgado-d5n]

Thanks for the tip about drilling the holes. Worked like a charm

[@impendingdom7757]

Finally someone made a good video on how to add the new latches on to a JK! Great job!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks! I think it’s an amazing mod and will become a pretty popular swap. Feel free to share the video to any friends!

[@jrprieto1]

Thanks man, I just got them and had not idea how to go by install them. great detail job

[@kevinsump1413]

Thanks Ben for experimenting on your Jeep for our benefit. Installed the JL latches and they work great. I was lucky enough to sneak a ratchet by the grill sides to undue the inner nuts.

[@RubiconUnlimited]

Yup! That's perfect. Wondering what else we can jack from the JL design

[@JKGearandGadgets]

There are a few things I’m eyeballing, but not sure how compatible they will be. These hood latches were a pretty easy swap

[@Rangerprovidence]

The new soft top!

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Maybe the fenders! The front grill!🤔

[@GW_Goose]

I've wanted to do this mod ever since I saw the new latches on the jl. I'm glad you made this video and gave part numbers

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It’s a great mod! Thanks for watching, be sure to sent it to some buddy’s!

[@GW_Goose]

its all over the jeep jk group right now

[@Chris-tn3kf]

I’ve been wanting to do this every since I saw the first JL pics. Thanks for sharing!!!

[@stevemacdonald9977]

Just got mine today & just got done installing, Thanks so much for this video, been wanting these since I first saw them!

[@jessedn]

Just did this to mine (plus the hood bumps, because, why not). The only thing I had to do different was take a rat-tail file and modify the lower mount holes slightly to get the upper lip of the latch to sit even with the curve of the fender. Other than that it was a simple mod and it looks great! Thanks for the great tutorials!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah I’m hearing that from some people, and some others say they didn’t, it must be a hit or miss 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Thanks!! I was thinking about this mod!! This will definitely be my next one. Those look great and I'm sure this will become a popular JK mod.

[@seangottke4936]

Rhino Willy's just installed today. They’re awesome

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Sean Gottke Nice!! Such a satisfying feeling after a new mod.✋😀👍

[@tyarevalo7557]

Bad ass man!!!!! Just ordered mine, thanks for taking the time to post this!

[@turn-n-burn1421]

Just came back for a follow-up. If your JK is like mine, do not expect yours to comply like his or any of the other videos you’ve seen of people doing this ‘simple’ swap. The bottom fender mounted OE parts were reachable with a 13 mm wrench and I’d offer, the longer the better (she didn’t say that to me 😊) but once the nut inside the fender gets just loose enough, the entire thing starts to spin. I couldn’t think of any way to hold it, even putting a smaller Phillips head screwdriver through one of the holes that you’ll later enlarge didn’t hold it. I resorted unfortunately to getting my cordless angle grinder with a cutting disc and cutting carefully as I could until the bolt (it’s headless, FYI) broke. Then I just pushed it through. I did some small damage to my fenders in the process and they will be a bit ugly to those who get near it, but I do have factory touch up paint and applied that. Now comes an equally fun part; I get to put the new ones on. That’s not easy either and would help to have a second pair of hands. Although I may duct tape that new fender mounted piece to the fender so the bolt will be held in place. Then I can reach through and spin the nut on. Even though it’s not in the plans for this year, I know in advance that I’ll be buying new non-factory fenders, flares and inner fenders to replace those and painting the whole of the Jeep in Rhino Liner so whether I’ll be able to get these new hood latches off then, or will have to buy another set, I know I won’t booger up my fenders again. But heed this; if you run into the same issue I have, I hope you’ll be able to resolve it better than I have.

[@bigaaronxd45]

I saw this video the day after it was posted. I ordered everything and did the install yesterday. Everything went perfect and it looks awesome and works great. Thanks for the video!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome!!

[@ScaryFear]

That's awesome. Great idea. I agree. I just don't like other latches out there and the ones I do like are so expensive.

[@sandywilliams3478]

I just installed my JL brackets. Very easy. Works and looks great. So much better than the original latches.

[@glynnwilliams2350]

I saw a tip the other day on getting rid of hood flutter. All you have to do is remove your hood spring. It rakes about 15 seconds. The stretched out hood latches and the spring are what cause the hood flutter. I removed my spring several days ago and that stopped hood flutter on my JK.

[@tommywainst7171]

Thanks for making this. I’ve heard of this being done, nice seeing how easy it is

[@AliSegovia]

Making a list of part numbers for Jeep beach prep....you make that search so easy :)

[@JKGearandGadgets]

They actually have kits on amazon now. I’m not sure if they are mopar brand but they look pretty close

[@sambrimly4474]

Looks better than any aftermarket ones!

[@Jrm5814]

I really want to try & switch out the jk rubber bumpers with the jl footman loop/bumpers/washer nozzles they have now

[@AddictedToJeepsCom]

Awesome idea! We’ve been looking to upgrade our latches for quite some time. These look like a winning idea! Thank you very much for sharing!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep I think they look killer! A lot cleaner than other aftermarket options

[@turn-n-burn1421]

Man, I'm having a heck of a time. The lower OE latch on mine, on the passenger side, was accessible, just barely, but although I do have a 13mm wrench, I didn't have a flex shaft for a socket. It wouldn't have made any difference though because at a certain point, the through bolt started spinning and I no longer made any progress with loosening the nut. Now I'm at a point where apparently, I'm going to have to carefully either hacksaw the bolt or even more scary, use my sawzall. I've already scratched my fender a bit, but for now just used the same color touch-up paint. I intend to eventually replace both the fenders and the flares and inner fenders, but I wasn't ready yet. I think this is going to be more of a nightmare than I expected. I'll get there. I'm certainly not taking my fenders off.

[@cambuchanan5836]

I just did this to mine. I didn’t drill anything, I snipped the 2 alignment tabs off of the body part of the latch and bolted it right up no issues

[@zlightning]

Do the secure the hood better?

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Looks great. I definitely am going to do this

[@usmcchet]

Just put some on my 2017 Willy's and they work great and look even better

[@usmcchet]

FYI you will need to remove the airbox to do the passenger side latch

[@DJCareeseOFly]

If you take the grill off it's easier to get to the nuts. I didn't need a extension on my socket wrench

[@acecalzadilla6878]

Great video some other guy did them before but he started to cut the rubber pads instead of drilling the holes out like you did. He made a mess of it had to glue on the pads and stuff. Yours is cleaner

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah my buddy just sent me that video a few minutes ago 😂 quite the mess, cut the alignment tabs off and the rubber pads...

[@Aries1rbh]

Just ordered a pair for my 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (MW3). Looking forward to delivery!!

[@AZWESTSIDEWHEELERS]

That is a great upgrade, have to look into this. Thanks for sharing!

[@raylaux8295]

When you latch the JL latches notice how the fender pulls in out of alignment with the hood. The camming action of the lever pushes fender below hood line towards center.

[@TheLubowski]

Solid video! If I didn't already have the rugged ridge ones, I'd be doing this!

[@o3djeeps]

Hey man... thanks again for the vid. I just did the mod, and included a minor change that might help people... but other than that... I pretty much stayed in your ruts! lol

[@o3djeeps]

oh.. vid is here if you want to check it out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZojYh4aZfrdlfLc

[@billbraski2452]

What was the minor change? I want to do this but I'm wondering if this will keep the hood from flapping and also keep the correct gap

[@jeepwranglered2531]

I installed the JL latch after watching your video. This was my first mod where I had to drill in my Jeep or any vehicle. I was not able to get the hood down all the way. Not sure what this will do in the future. I wasn’t sure what I’d do if it didn’t work. I’d like the hood to come down more. But I see yours isn’t lining up the way it was before either. It could be because I didn’t have a 3/8ths drill bit. I don’t like that when I go to close the hood now I have to manually move the latch out of the way on both sides. I only had a step bit. Can’t wait to do more. My next mod is a 2.5” lift. I’m hoping I don’t have to do any suspension mods till later down the road. I was hoping to post a pic but I don’t see where to do that.

[@billhulkins5213]

Another AMAZING video! Thanks for the videos and step by step instructions! Ill be ordering these tonight

[@dthor66]

I did this mod with my new DV8 avenger hood... Killer..!

[@SherieBrown600]

Thanks I have actually had my hood buckle on me going down the highway once.

[@katrinalenart4301]

Love the video. I am definitely a new subscriber. Ordered the latches right after I saw video.

[@1stpaintballmaster]

If you have a stock air box the fastest way is to pull the grill off. If you do that you can access the 13mm nuts super easy with a flexible end wrench.

[@Jeep4Life66]

This is awesome! Just found my next upgrade! Thanks for the outta the box thinking!

[@makeyourownadventure1653]

That is a sweet call on the JL latches. Nice job!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks bud!

[@NorthEast_Gaming97]

I just did this mod last night, didn’t see your video before hand, but wanted to see how you may have done it different. Only thing I’ve noticed between the stock latch and the JL is there is little more gap between the hood and fender. It’s not much, but you can tell

[@8899bubba]

Hope you make more videos with that XJ!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I might! Trying to keep it stock haha but it’s so hard

[@8899bubba]

JK Gear and Gadgets Not a bad idea. Maybe do mechanical videos on it or things like that. Not many people do high quality videos on XJ’s that aren’t pieces of rusty crap.

[@martinrivas5388]

Just what I'm looking for I'll be putting them on next week thank you

[@JKGearandGadgets]

You’ll love them! Thanks for watching, stay tuned for more videos!

[@dannygutierrez9637]

About to install mine! Thanks for the DIY video!

[@k5_kiaupgrades622]

Thanx for the video & the idea. I helped a buddy swap out his latches from the jl. And I pith them on in my jk. 👌 win win 😜

[@rusty2872]

Just finished the install, this vid inspired me. Thanks for the tips. BTW nail polish works to cover up the drilling. Your not ever going to see it anyway

[@smartassjeff1]

I just ordered. Fun fact- if you order the 2 of each JL Latch: 68240952AD and Catch Bracket: 68240951AB on that website- INSTEAD of together in the "JK upgrade kit"- it is $5.07 less.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Hmmm I didn’t know that

[@boknowsyoutube]

Nice work man. I'm definitely one of those guys who's hesitant to drill...HAHA!

[@7sinscustoms]

Great install, just using a metal file for lower bracket makes a much snugger fit. Also, if you Jeep does not have a hood seal, install one before doing this.

[@donnevintage]

great video, just bought these to upgrade on my JK

[@keithlargy8230]

I just want to know who could thumbs down this video.. good video ben

[@66skate]

Probably people that saw the drill come out. There's a better version by Rampage that require no drilling and use a key lock.

[@anthonygallo3576]

Just what I want a key and lock, that way when I have to open the hood the lock is seized up!

[@xtremeoverlandusa1616]

Looks good!! May do that mod on mine. Thanks Steve Xtreme Overland USA

[@ExploringJeeps]

Nice job. Was wondering if these would work on the JKs. These are the best looking latches out there.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I have to agree! Clean and simple but still look amazing

[@salex7095]

Huhh ? ....Its a JK he installed it on

[@planetxmetal]

Any reason why this wouldn't work on a TJ? JKs and TJs had very similar (if not identical) hood latches.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I don’t see why not 🤷🏼‍♂️, but I don’t want to say yes or no because I haven’t tried it out. I’d go park at a dealership after hours and take some measurements to see if it will fit

[@Lumberjack_MC]

Great video! Thanks for all the information.

[@tinzel5711]

Just installed mine. Thanks for the video

[@jefffoltz7772]

I am replacing mine as well just got them today. Another question where did you get your fender flares. They look sweet

[@BigJessLBP]

damn just prices it out and its not bad at around 70 for the entire mod.. definitely gonna do this mod

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! Cheaper than most aftermarket latches and looks a lot better in my opinion!

[@BigJessLBP]

i officially hate you by the way. lol didn't want to buy anything else for the jeep for a while. NEVER ENDING STORY... great channel by the way SUBSCRIBED

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Haha 😂 thanks for subscribing. I’ll try to avoid expensive upgrades 😂

[@BluePrintLab101]

Fantastic video!!! Great step by step.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you!

[@fallguy4209]

They need to make the hood lock standard

[@ryan.the.riffraff]

Thank you for this! Just ordered them!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

No problem! You’ll love them! Stay tuned for more videos

[@ryan.the.riffraff]

JK Gear and Gadgets always! Love your channel brother! It’s inspired me to create my own!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I’ll check it out!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Just subscribed! Goodluck on your channel, talking to a camera is hard and takes a while to get comfortable, I’m still not haha. But just be yourself!

[@yohanfu2807]

They look nice on your jku👍

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks!

[@chrislorenz4468]

Just did the hood latches thanks 4 the video 👍🤘

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah man 🤙🏻

[@seangottke4936]

Well done! Looks great. Please do a little review on a later date letting us know how they are in the wind.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I will try! But I can tell you now that the latches themselfs will allow zero movement. I pulled up on the hood and nothing moved but the hood itself flexing

[@seangottke4936]

JK Gear and Gadgets I just ordered them. Thanks homie.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome. And glad I could help!

[@seangottke4936]

They were delivered and installed the today. Thank you brother!!!! They look and function great. Awesome Mod!!!

[@bronxzou]

Removing the lower piece is the only hard part! How did that not make the video? Gonna try it by taking the grill off.

[@davideg5947]

Great video. That internal spring in the latch seems a little flimsy. I think that looks like the weakest part in the JL latch.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah, I wouldn’t worry about it though as it’s not part of the structural design, just there to push the actuall Metal clasp out

[@jamekingsly1586]

Awesome job. Wonder what else can be used from the JL.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Stay tuned!

[@RabidNomad]

Question: have you seen anyone swap the inside door handles and lock from a JL to JK? May sound weird but the JL inside handle and lock is slick looking.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I have not heard of anything doing that, I don’t think it’s possible without extensive modification

[@Vincent-gt3gx]

Can you swap out the JK rear-end tailgate hinge with the JL hinges? Mine is rusting and the JL Hinges are stronger looking and seem better.

[@patriot4life217]

I’m installing similar latches on my 2010 JK and noticed that when you remove the old latches you are also removing the rubber bumper that’s on the original bottom latch which means that you will have no cushion or resistance when adjusting the new latches. Did your JL latches come with a rubber cushion to be between the hood and top of fender to prevent metal on metal?

[@TopNoTchVSOP]

Question….Will a Red Rock Series Hood With Functional Air Vents that is for a JL and Gladiator JT, fit on a JKU 2018?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

No. Jl hoods won’t fit on a jk

[@DJCareeseOFly]

Mine are shipping right now. Woooooo

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Awesome!!

[@WorkingOnRocks]

I think gas mileage was thrown out when you put 40’s on it 😂

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Haha honestly it hasn’t been bad so far! With the gearing I’m getting a tad bit better!

[@bigmountain_billybob62423]

QUESTION: My latches don't pop back. They lay back over the fender. So when you go to put the hood down, the clasp is out in the way. Am I missing something?? 😕

[@danestevenson6382]

I installed the hood latches and they work perfectly for getting rid of the hood flutter, however I now have a large gap between the hood and the grille. Any tips for getting a the hood to close tighter?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Either elongate the holes a bit more, or grind a little of the latch stop a little bit

[@amberandrandystuffle77]

I seen it's been almost three years since you did this how are the hood latches doing

[@monkeyman41333]

Curious how well those springs will hold up. If they break, I wonder if entire latch needs replacing.

[@hankbailey570]

Very helpful! Thanks! 👍

[@bennelson9826]

Those look amazing

[@jwpethe]

Quadratec put out a video and the alignment tabs will bend into the old holes...no need to drill any holes out...

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Even with the alignment tabs fitting, it leaves a ugly hood gap

[@Kevin-gh9kl]

Does the hood louver do anything to decrease hood flutter?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It does a little, the latches are the big thing though. But yes a louver let’s out the air that gets trapped under the hood.

[@jameslangford6901]

Sweet. Looks great.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks man!

[@11973angelo]

Thx for making this vid👍🏻 easy work

[@armedbushido]

Ordered now!