Real Hood Struts For The Toyota Tacoma Installed: How To

[@jamesyurky3048]

A hole performance !great video, they make heavy duty riveters to ease the task.

[@fredsausage8794]

Very nice.

[@tomdillon6758]

I would use a drill stop on the bit. Cheap for a set @ HF. Collar that slides over bit, and you set the depth and tighten the collar with a tiny allen wrench.

[@RobMotive]

Definitely a good idea! A new hood costs a lot more I'm sure!

[@kwmulligan]

The struts are at a better angle too!

[@BucksBe]

Getting a slightly larger riveter would help greatly. I picked up the 17 incher from Harbor Freight for under $20 and installing the rivets were a breeze. The smaller ones are really tough to use. I just installed on my 23' Trail Edition and I'm quite pleased with the results. Curious how long they will last but it feels, (and looks) like quality parts. Anyways, thanks for the videos as always.

[@Imtired_AF]

I would use the rivets as an excuse to buy a new tool, the milwaukee rivet gun

[@atomicfrijole7542]

Rob, I just replaced my hood struts on my FJ -- the previous owner had installed them upside down! I didn't realize they had done that until I was halfway through the project and was like, "Gee, no wonder the hood wouldn't stay up!" 🤣New struts are working just beautifully.

[@MikeSchneider-wz3ol]

Very nice. The angle on those look better.

[@RobMotive]

Much better. More work, but very solid👍

[@jerryconner4851]

Use an automatic center punch. No need for a hammer and you can punch it a couple more times with minimal effort for a better starter dimple. I put the same Redline's on my 2021 Tacoma and they have held up great.

[@cpsmonroe1]

Absolutely 100% should use a punch for those holes.

[@jerryconner4851]

@@cpsmonroe1 Not sure what you mean by your comment. An automatic center punch is 100% a punch.

[@derekward2266]

Looked like some work, but you did a great job! I really like them!

[@RobMotive]

Those rivets were a bear! But, it’s rock-solid👍

[@PhantomPhixer1]

Rob,those are way better than the others you installed...well done!

[@RobMotive]

Given the change in those brackets…absolutely 👍

[@edfig]

Now we're talking. These look OEM. 👍

[@RobMotive]

Much better for sure👍

[@russellmorash3816]

They actually make a pneumatic rivit guns the day I put mine in all I could think about was when I was working for the property management Co. I rented a compressor ì was installing something that required like 200 rivits and I knew I wasn't going to do it with a hand powered gun I drilled the holes inserted the rivits and when everything was in the proper position I used the gun one on each end and one in the middle to hold it then put a straight edge on it clamped it oaskesn and ran the line in about five minutes manually I would probably still be there with a hand that no longer functioned nice job rob red line is the way I stear everyone who me and I save them 40 dollars for letting them use my gun.

[@RobMotive]

Oh that’s for sure! Never mess with a guy who hand rivets everyday!!

[@robbaker629]

Looks good Rob. I would have been a wreck drilling into hood. Great job.

[@RobMotive]

Thanks. As long as you restrict the drill bit depth (or be very careful) it’s not too bad👍

[@carlneb8619]

I love the "A" hole comment! Your smile is classic Rob humor!

[@RobMotive]

……😬

[@thaineandcheryl]

Looking good. Still hanging on to my Sprit Booster for its return.😅

[@nickk3085]

Hi Rob will there struts fit 23 Tacoma? If they fit I'll get them at Amazon

[@RobMotive]

That truck is a 2023.

[@WeFergie]

Really glad you are competent with drilling holes. Yeah, I might be able to NOT punch a hole too far, but I would have issues keeping the brackets aligned. BTW: Just read an article about Amazon having big problems with counterfeit parts coming in packaging that looks genuine, affecting a multitude of products. I'm tempted to order a new set of the no drill struts just to see the brackets. Returning them of course.... Mark a hole🤣

[@RobMotive]

I say go for it👍

[@merlinzipp]

Two weeks ago I tried the genuine no drill hood struts and after a day had to send them back. They were bending the fender where you substitute the ground bolt. Big washers and all were not able to hold the heavy hood up without bending the fenders. I put the Redline plus on and they are as hood struts should be. I would re-read the 1 star reviews on the bolt on struts before purchasing them.

[@tcbrown]

I bought and installed the high lift RedLine hood struts and am really pleased. I had to make a trip to Harbor Freight since RedLine forgot to include the rivets but that’s okay since it gave me the excuse to check out the new Badlands APEX winch. I realize a lot of people are nervous about drilling, especially under the hood. They can use masking tape and make a drill stop 1/4” from the end of the bit. Really pay attention to the point Rob mentions about sealing the new holes with touch up paint. Good job Rob!

[@kenmcdougal97]

Why not just use self taping Screws

[@RobMotive]

Not as strong as rivets👍

[@brianscustomcanvas1911]

Next time if you want to remove at any time there is a tool that works just like the rivet tool but in place of rivets the tool inserts threaded fittings and I would silicone the holes. This way you can blue thread lock small bolts and have the option if needed to remove.

[@cpsmonroe1]

Yup. Those are typically called ‘nutserts’ or ‘rivnuts’. The kits including the rivet gun are not too expensive for a decent one.

[@kevinbrewer7043]

Redline tuning offers three different struts... which struts did you get specifically?

[@RobMotive]

See the video description 👍

[@marko6128]

Oversize are the ones to go with …I got those from Redline for my Tacoma and they work great…Open the hood up more than the regular struts or even the prop rod

[@ulbiciohuici6401]

Muy friend, have you seen any pedal cover that can be put on the tacoma?

[@RobMotive]

Not sure what you mean🤔

[@ulbiciohuici6401]

@@RobMotive Lol😂😂..I ask you about the aftermarket pedal covers that can be bought in the same color as the paint on the car!!

[@RobMotive]

Not sure I’ve seen pedal covers🤔

[@MPGunther1]

If I ever get issues with the existing struts the Redline struts seem like the way to go. I think you were thinking about rivnuts?

[@RobMotive]

Yup, you’re right👍

[@kevinzueger8837]

The Spiker Engineering Strut Kit comes with the proper drill bit and a hard plastic sleeve to prevent over penetration, something I'm sure you've never had to worry about....The install, layout and instructions are better and more adjustable to the preference of the owner based on height of the raised hood. Still not sure about that color!

[@JR-vi4rl]

My total number of mods on my Tacoma are well over 30 and I've not drilled a hole for any of them, not a fan of drilling holes in my Tacoma. I also am not a fan of rivets holding the hood up. I only lift the hood once in a while. I check brake fluid level, coolant level, and air filter when I change the oil. That's just my feeling, I wish anyone nothing but good luck if they want to install these hood struts.

[@RobMotive]

Yup…never install any mod you’re not comfortable with👍

[@marko6128]

The ironic thing is… If you bought these, You would quickly realize how much better they are than the prop rod. They will become one of your favorite mods

[@Jaredius]

Not a fan of rivets. The thought of ever having to remove them, but I suppose there’s a tool to make that easy. 🤷‍♂️

[@RobMotive]

Ya just drill them👍

[@brianscustomcanvas1911]

I just added a comment to help, the tool I used was from Eastwood tools