Rugged Ridge Hood Latch Install - Jeep Wrangler JK

[@jcw3618]

Thank you so much for your concise, easy to understand instructions!!! No shaking camera, no ridiculous annoying music or video effects - just straightforward instruction!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Just a quick mention: Getting access to the passenger side bolt is a little more challenging and I should have shown that in the video, my apologies. Easiest way to access it is to pop the plastic tabs on top of the gill and pull it forward and that will give you enough room to get to the bolt.

[@bscotteggers5413]

I popped the plastic tabs and used an 1/8 inch socket. Unless I missed something the older versions used a lot of the existing hardware. The new versions use a nylon lock nut and a washer. Getting that nut and washer on the bolt is a challenge. Unless you have magnetized tools, if you have big hands it isn't going to happen unless you outsource a kid or someone, probably a woman with smaller hands to help you. Even if you have average sized male hands, you may still want to get someone to help.

[@hubbers8]

Hello, actually I found a way to get around to both of those 13mm nuts without an extension, elbow, or removing any parts from your jeep. I simply passed the wrench with one hand up through the undercarriage, handle up, to the other hand, where I could easily grasp the handle from above. Just had a typical ratchet and socket, and got both nuts off within seconds. I hope this saves a lot of people from the frustration I dealt with :)

[@moos3butt3r]

@@hubbers8 glad I pulled the video up and saw your comment. Just got done doing this. Thanks for the tip/help!

[@J.Bradley.]

Heads up Brad, these fit differently on my Hard Rock. Happy to send photos but wanted to let everyone know. You CAN make them work but I had to use the stock spacers in addition to the supplied ones on the hood portion to create enough clearance so that the locking portion does not hit the hood when locked. I also had to adjust and readjust several times before I got +- 1/10 of an inch clearance from the hood. I hope that makes sense. As long as they dont move, I WOULD buy them again. I just don't want anyone with a hard rock believing it's a 30 minute job or being disappointed when they dont look like yours do once installed.Very well made product but a beveled or wedge shaped rubber spacer for the hard rock would solve the problem I think.

[@mikecoy9219]

@@hubbers8 Thanks for this tip...just saw this right before I installed...piece of cake on both sides with standard tools. 👍🏻

[@kurtoettl]

I know this is an old video, but I just put these on my 2014 Wrangler Rubicon. (bought in October '19) WOW!! What a difference, no flutter, bounce or any movement. Install wasn't too bad, especially with video help. Having the right tools helps and being patient. Driving the Jeep from Florida to Maine next week, glad I don't have to look a bouncing hood all the way there!

[@vtvt2690]

One of the best add-ons for your Jeep for the money. They look good. And no more hood flutter.

[@TrailRecon]

Completely agree... thank you!

[@terrysciarrotta8165]

This was an excellent primer for what would normally be a challenging install. I started with the driver’s side using all the recommended tools. I found that using plumber’s silicone grease on my fingers with the washers and nuts helped considerably. I used the grease as a temporary “adhesive” to place the nuts in position and connect the threads. It took about 30 mins. The passenger side was actually easier/faster by just using the grease and a simple 1/4” ratchet with swivel head and a regular socket. The passenger side only took about 15 mins. The new hood RR hood latches are a vast improvement over the bungee cord OE. Thanks for your clear instructions.

[@TrailRecon]

The grease is a great suggestion... thanks for sharing that tip!

[@guitarbluz62]

Great vid...very thorough. Getting ready to install these on my Rubicon. After driving at highway speeds with 50 mph crosswinds this past week, I decided that watching that hood jump like it was gonna fly open any moment was more added stress than I need in my life! Thanks :)

[@TrailRecon]

The passenger side is a bit more of a pain and I should have shown that in the vide. They are great latches!

[@outlaw9232]

Thanks Brad for the tips! I just finished installing mine this morning...Christmas morning! On my 2016 Rubi I found the passenger side a little more difficult to get to the nut on the inside of the fender. I had to get creative with extensions and swivels but got it to work. Note...the nut they supply for the base must me aluminum, I dropped it and my extending magnet wouldn't pick it up! Done and happy! Thanks again. I'm really glad I went with the Rugged Ridge latches.

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear your Jeep got a Christmas present! I should have shown the challenges with the passenger side in the video, my apologies. Glad you like them!

[@mirandaamaya7289]

This video was great on how to install the hood catches. I had already bought these and to me the instructions were crap. But this video helped me step by step and was super easy to put on. My ridge is kicking some ass! No more hood flutter!

[@pinoyaggie]

I installed this on my JK yesterday. I used your video, and it is very helpful! I noticed a couple of things during the install: 1. Rugged Ridge added the hood bumpers, which is nice. So you don't need to pull the ones from the stock latches. 2. RR also added washers. 3. The installation instructions are not updated though, it still says exactly how you did it. 4. It is a lot easier to remove the nut by removing the grill and pass the ratchet wrench through from the front of the Jeep. Overall, I'm very happy with the product. Very solid and looks great. Thank you very much for this instructional video!

[@TrailRecon]

Excellent updated information, thanks for taking the time to share!

[@Herestobetterdays]

Thanks Brad! I’ve been following your channel since February when we bought our Jeep. Finally got around to installing the hood latches I bought a month ago! I found if I popped the grill off a little bit I could fit my socket wrench in that tiny gap. Didn’t even bother with the instructions provided-although the set I got came with new rubber stops. Thanks for your channel!!! You rock!!!

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

I upgraded ours in 2018 to the all black option and I haven't worried about the hood ever since.

[@jxinx6812]

I noticed the floating hood the first time I hit the freeway. I installed these catches and the hood is solid. Very quick and easy to install.

[@outlaw9232]

Brad thanks again. Because of your review on the Rugged Ridge Hood Latches I just placed my order! I love getting Jeep stuff for Christmas!

[@TrailRecon]

I love mine and it's always great when Santa in the brown truck comes early!

[@SkywhiteChannel]

Isn't the install on the other side much more involved? If it is, could you do a follow up?

[@anthonyserio4044]

great vid. this channel has some of the most informative and non bias videos on jeeps. thank you!!!

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks, I try to keep it real!

[@anthonyserio4044]

TrailRecon right now i only own a liberty... but its goen out a 196xxx. im looking at upgrading to a wrangler soon and your videos are going to help a ton. whats the first upgrade you recommend on a wrangler

[@jimtrujillo7483]

Good instructions! Just installed a set of these, great quality! I used a long, thin vise grip to hold the locknut in place while I tightened bolt. I couldn't get my hands in there even with the grille removed. Anyhow, great product, glad I bought them.

[@talben-shahar7467]

Taking off the front grill is the only way I was able to get access to the nut of the bottom part (in either side on a 2015 rubicon). The new kit comes with rubber pads of its own so no need to take off the rubber pad of the OEM kit

[@h69rico]

Thank you for this, I did it almost exact as you show here but I popped the grille off some and allowed me to slide the ratchet between the headlights and frame, worked like a charm. Again thanks for the instructional video.

[@bretbaker6752]

I did not have the attachment you used in your video so I used a Performax Indexable Ratchet (1/4 in. drive/360 swivel head/48-teeth) and it worked perfectly. I fit into the opening and the angel of the toll made it fit effortlessly onto the nut. Strongly suggest trying this tool out.

[@Thexkidd]

Just installed these. The video helped. I took the grill off. Really helped.

[@TrailRecon]

Agree, taking the grill off helps a lot with the passenger side. Thanks!

[@ToddKirst]

Mine came with everything, including the Rubber Bumpers. Your video was extreme helpful!

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear, thank you!

[@missouriprepper2996]

I've had a set of these for a little over a year and I'm very pleased with them. Great video!

[@TrailRecon]

Great to hear, thank you!!

[@darylcox4747]

missouriprepper299 m n

[@knucklehedd]

Funny, I watched the video to see how you got in there w/o pulling anything off. Saw your swivel rig and it was "Ah ha! Of course." Worked perfectly. Passenger side, I worked it out pretty easily once I broke the nut. I was able to get 3 fingers down there to hold the socket in place. New latch, I started the lock nut held the socket over it and finished with the hex. if I hadn't watched this video I would have pulled the fenders off like others here.

[@nordiq21]

Great video. I took my grill off and it was fairly easy to get to the inside bolts. Thanks again for posting.

[@Ozzy_ozbogwam]

Just did mine, took about 30 minutes. Taking the grill off makes it very easy

[@sandraforward5767]

Hi i have the same hood latches on my jeep , love them except after a couple of years the paint peels off, so now they dont look good. Would love to see you do an updated video to see how yours did over a couple of years and wear and tear..maybe explain some kinds of ideas for repainting them when they peel..thank you , love your videos.❤

[@aggrex]

nice step-by-step review showing the EZ install. ordered the rr textured hood catches last week

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! I haven't seen the textured catches yet... I'm gonna have to check though out.

[@rb30athorn]

Yup passenger side is harder. But these should be OEM! can't understand why they hold the hood down with rubber bands. Passing oncoming 18 wheelers on a 2 lane used to scare my passengers. It's a non event now.

[@TrailRecon]

Agree 100%. They should be OEM!

[@laurencehiggins239]

Took my grill off, what a difference that made. Off with the old and on twitch the new in 20 mins.

[@kevinbates5760]

Nice review, I am currently using the zip tie trick to keep mine from fluttering. This gives me good info for when I upgrade.

[@TrailRecon]

Duct tape and zip ties and you can fix anything! Thanks!

[@4everjeeper]

finally got my hinges on today, going the spod next weekend, one note the hinges r way easier if you pop out the grill, I got a socket right on nut with no extensions

[@coloradomtnbiker99]

Great how to ..going to install them when it warms up here in Colorado since I have the Rugged Ridge Hood deflector I need to take it off when it gets warm and replace it with the one they sent me for warranty so I can do both Rugged Ridge items at the same time good shout out to removing the grill probably will make it a lot easier we'll see in a couple weeks..

[@markgueren9633]

nice!! I always love the little things...easy installation...and just adds that nice little touch....I have a YJ and will be doing the Drake hood latches since no one makes a different option for the older Jeeps...

[@TrailRecon]

Drake makes good quality stuff as well, but I'm surprised there aren't more manufactures making stuff for the YJ's. Thanks man!

[@dougholloway5890]

Just installed with your video. Great job with the instruction. I did find it easier with the grille removed. Thanks again.

[@daviddowling9830]

I have those,the plastic safety tab disintegrated in 6 months,they stil work but without the security of the clip.

[@pekchops]

Fantastic video! I just purchased these and they are Awesome. Your video made the install really easy. Thank you!

[@imagesbylemke7065]

Hi, Happy holidays, I bought these as well. Love the construction, Hind sight 20/20 though it might have been easier to take the grill off to install them.

[@chuckoman]

Been watching you for jeep wrangler installs, great description and details

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you!

[@cipher951]

Great video brother! Almost pulled the trigger on these but went with the Rampage locking latches.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks man! The Rampage ones are very nice as well!

[@golferbird1975]

Thanks for posting the video. I took this project on and thanks to your knowledge sharing I was able to get the tools needed and the right brackets. I had looked into them before thanks to some squirrels using the old ones to sharpen their teeth, but wasn’t sure what to go with. Anyway the hardest part was getting the 13mm bolts off and ended up taking the grill off and was able to squeeze my in far enough to hold the socket in place to loosen and then tighten the new part. They look great and I hope the squirrels enjoy bitting into medal. 🤨 love love this channel!! Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[@hoselrocket2001]

Was just looking into these and that's exactly what occurred to me when taking a quick look at my Jeep. Would be much easier with the grill popped off which only takes a minute to do. I'm surprised most people aren't making the same comment. Looking to buy the silver ones to accent my black Jeep.

[@zaleski727]

you should do a rig walkaround video of your jeep that goes over everything currently done to your jeep in one vid.

[@TrailRecon]

Thanks for the suggestion, but I've got so much more to do before she is showcase ready! RockTroop did a quick video of my rig last month: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mmO6qZ6bjK2peas

[@racheltgal]

Just got my set Thursday installing today on my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sarah

[@aikitkd]

Great tutorial video installation but, just wondering at the beginning of the video I notice when you open the box there was a small plastic bag that you did not mentioned that, came with the latch parts.

[@rikntraci2545]

These are awesome. I get the "floating hood" sometimes too. Makes me a little nervous with 17 year old rubber holding it down. Keep up the great videos Dude!

[@TrailRecon]

These are a great upgrade. Thank you!

[@vinnyh8754]

been looking for quality latches, these look good. thanks for sharing.

[@TrailRecon]

Great quality in my opinion!

[@mzh22003]

thanks for the clip which is pretty informative... but didn't you think of putting one with lock as it is open for thieves to take anything under the hood... i am thinking of getting a willys and i have concern of this hood totally open, it feels like leaving $$$ for the thieves...

[@robertherring5313]

Would removing the headlight help at all? I feel like you could get you entire hand in there if you were to remove the headlight.

[@KeNalu1]

Thanks for a great tutorial! Very helpful and everybody's added comments about the passenger side were great.Removing the grille made it much easier! My latch had to be backed off quite a bit for it to latch and release easily. The instructions say you should have a minimum of 3 threads penetration for safety. Thanks for your help!

[@BeingInTheMessiah]

I have the exact same ones and I must say the top and bottom did not line up the way they did in this video. Slamming them together I had to push down on the hood and push as hard as I could. Not because they were not loosened but because the two pieces simply were not alligned.

[@outlaw9232]

Brad you must have been reading my mind! I have been shopping for hood latches. I've seen the less expensive ones but now I'm afraid of quality and rust. Great install video too and a great tip for getting to that hard to reach nut, thanks! Ok, Rugged Ridge it is for me. I now feel it's worth the money. I took the wife for a ride yesterday and had her watch the hood flutter....LOL, she said I need to fix that, so....kitchen pass for another Jeep mod purchase!

[@TrailRecon]

HAHA, I wish I had a little ESP! I love that you had to use the shock and awe of the hood flutter to convince your wife, I may have to try that technique. Thanks brother!

[@outlaw9232]

I almost have her convinced to get a lift now too. We went out with a group, myself and 1 other were stock. We were all parked together for a lunch break. She looked at my Jeep next to all the others and in front of everyone she says...out loud... "Wow, yours is so much shorter that everyone else's" After I tucked my head low in embarrassment, all I could do is laugh and tell her I'd better get a lift then, right?

[@caddy-daddychannel9349]

John Bylin lol😂😂😂😂😂💯💯💯💯yes💯💯💯I am waiting on my lift and mud tires

[@TrailRecon]

Oh no, not the "so much shorter comment!" I ran stock for a long time... Jeep are amazing in stock form, don't stress about stock ride hight. But if she is going to let you.....

[@outlaw9232]

Yup, got "the" comment but I'll work it to my advantage the best I can! Thanks for the support!

[@SavvyCris]

I just installed them today . Really great instructions . Thank you !

[@raymondstone4297]

Thanks for another great video. What do you about the possible "junkyard JL" rubicon hard rock hood photos ?

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you! Just googled the Junkyard JL hood... hadn't seen that one yet. All rumors and speculation for now, hopefully we will see the real deal soon.

[@X-OR_]

That's a Clean Install.... Great Video !!!

[@TrailRecon]

Very easy install. Thank you!

[@geefim2144]

Just re adjusted the tension on one side . Used video as guide again as I forgot how they adjusted

[@cottageadvlife]

Thanks for the video instruction. Was debating between these, and the version from Drake. Your video and opinion of these sealed the deal. Ordered today. You, are very bad for my bank account! LOL

[@tdeisher79]

Great video as usual keep up the good work.

[@TrailRecon]

Thank you, really appreciate it!

[@thetouchtonsoffroad3574]

That rubber bumper that you reused from the old latch what is it called and do you know where I can get them?

[@RockyXTV]

Great install! I've been eyeballing these latches, I just always end up buying other stuff LOL!

[@TrailRecon]

There is always something else to buy! Thanks!

[@beniaminv]

I ordered a set of these from Amazon. It was the textured black. The box looked identical the latch looked identical however mine was wrinkled black. When I put it together it would not release my hood. It eventually broke. I don’t know if it was a rugged ridge one or a knockoff using their name. But that experience has me a little skeptical wanting to order these from somewhere else.

[@SkywhiteChannel]

If you want to do a rig walk around video, I have a 2016 JKUR that has way too much stuff on it. :) Including the full frontrunner treatment (inside sliding tray, shelf and roofrack) swingout table, poison spyder bumpers (front and rear) hardshell RTT, poison spyder flares, poison spyder hood vents, 3.5 metalcloak gamechangeer suspension, 37 MTR's, new wheels, fully armored underneath (oil pan, tranny, transfer case, fuel tank, evap), cameras all around and under, rigid lights, Warn Zeon 10S winch, synthetic line, factor 55, rock lights, exhaust, teraflex spare tire mount, rotopax fuel carrier, rocker guards, HD tie rod +steering dampner, ARB fridge, SPOD...there's probably more...

[@TrailRecon]

Man that's a whole lot of goodies! Message me though youtube or the "contact us" on trailrecon.net If you are in socal, maybe we can set something up. Thanks.

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

I need to do this upgrade. Great install video as always.

[@TrailRecon]

Very happy with this upgrade, thanks!

[@bradstoesz4951]

Awesome upgrade. Nothing worse than the hood bouncing when a big truck passes you...

[@TrailRecon]

I've had these on for a while now and they are one of the simplest and useful upgrades I have done.

[@jkxtc2016]

nice little upgrade and affordable....looks good .

[@TrailRecon]

It's worth it just to get rid of the hood flutter.... been holding strong now for several months.

[@rbarber1004]

On the board behind you it says WJ bumpers and fenders is that a hint for another project to come

[@TrailRecon]

That is my future video board and am always putting ideas on there. Stay tuned for Sundays video... if things go well we might be talking about a WJ.

[@rbarber1004]

TrailRecon nice looking forward to it my wife has a wj

[@TrailRecon]

Been trolling craigslist for weeks. Went to look at one last night and it was a no go. Searching for an off-road rig for my son so XJ, WJ, ZJ, even looking at Broncos and 4runners. Tough to find something cheap that isn't junk. Hopefully soon.

[@raymondjones1866]

I'm surprised my hood don't flutter on my new Rubicon Recon the latch is tight my neighbor has a wrangler 2door I asked if he has flutter he never had it maybe unless behind a tractor trailer I'm more about hood locks and unwanted access

[@JStrateger]

5:00 Is the paint chipped on these around the top jam nut or is that an odd reflection? These look nice and awesome video! Love watching content, keep it coming!

[@TrailRecon]

Good eye! I smacked with the wrench and chipped it, didn't come that way. Thanks!

[@getout116]

My hood is a little off center. How much side to side play do these have when latching?

[@stevepallister9717]

Nice video. Helped me make my decision to order a set. Thanks.

[@robertd10481]

Damn you!!! Another thing I will be ordering because of you!! Great job!! What do you think of not running a spare tire and going with a jrc trailgate?

[@TrailRecon]

LOL! Sorry! I'm not familiar with JRC, but as much time as we spend on the trail, I would never go out without a spare. I know some folks like the "delete spare tire look" but I'd be too worried about being stranded. Thanks man!

[@DanielTojcic]

does the latch hit the fender when open? not the best if you have painted fenders

[@TrailRecon]

Great questions, I just went out and look and it is a very small "nub" that touches the fender. If/when I get painted fenders, will just have to be easy in laying them down. Thanks!

[@mikejk9625]

How did the rugged ridge hood latches hold up? I am installing them on my 2017 Rubicon. But I am only able to get 3 full turns on the upper and lower latches, is that enough or do you think the wind will Push the hood up into the windshield when I am going over 60 miles an hour?

[@JeepTJWheelin]

I got the textured black version. They are a good upgrade with one problem, the safety catch is made of cheap plastic. My driver side broke off. Does anyone know where to get a strong replacement? Thx

[@katiehulick4151]

if you take the grill and the light out (takes 5 minutes) just use a 13mm wrench

[@moabwheeling]

Great install video Brad. I need those latches. On my drivers side latch I've noticed the rubber is starting to tear on the edge. Yikes !!!!

[@Dadguy86]

Great video Brad. How have these latches held up over time?

[@martinmoskowitz4069]

great install video, but my question is this, do any of these after market hoodlatches come with padlocks? I'd love to lock my latches down when I'm rolling down the highway. thanks in advance!

[@TrailRecon]

Good questions and none that I know of, however this is a hood anti-theft option: amzn.to/2h04mnF

[@Mark32500]

Rampage makes locking hood latches

[@4everjeeper]

ive seen another set of latches that have a keyed lock but don't remember the brand name

[@CurmudgeonExtraordinaire]

I've seen one latch replacement that had locks built into it, but from the looks of the keys, they probably weren't a very high security lock. But then again, as they say, locks are just for keeping honest people honest... I remember MANY years ago, punks would steal the batteries on cars. You don't hear about that these days though. Maybe it's because cars have hoods that need to be unlatched from the inside of the car and people lock the doors on their cars these days. Maybe it's just because crooks these days are lazier and batteries are heavy. Maybe it's a case of they just tow the vehicle away and completely strip it, so it doesn't matter what sort of locks you have. I don't know, but it would be interesting to see the statistics on it...

[@jxinx6812]

You don't have to reuse the little rubber bumpers. New ones came in that plastic baggie by your hand.

[@Summerfan69]

Those are good looking one sadly they don’t have locks integrated that will be more useful that way

[@dennisheflin2680]

I just had the same hood latches installed because of the floating and chattering hood. Have not driven over 70 with these news latches installed. Did you make yours very tight? Is there a if it’s too tight it’s not right?

[@justchillin1985]

how r the hood latches holding up? does it really help reduce the hood flutter?

[@TrailRecon]

Holding up great and the eliminate the hood flutter. Very happy with these!

[@lukerandall2112]

Just install3d mine so great losing the hood flutter

[@hendrickverton2110]

Flexible extension make this job much easier.

[@yogi_5150]

Nice Osprey Pack back there.

[@lukerandall2112]

For passenger side i took off the grillcover was eaiser to access

[@jamieeisenhower1560]

People always have to remember to use. They're Original nuts they're better. I've never seen the Jl's floater. What about locking adjustable ones

[@jasonlui9988]

Now that you’ve had these Rugged Ridge hood latches on for a while, do you still use them? How are they holding up? Any more hood flutter? I just experience the hood flutter yesterday and that was not fun! Pucker factor was in full effect!!

[@TrailRecon]

They have been holding up great and hood flutter is gone. I did loose one of the rubber pads and had to cut some rubber pieces to replace it... that has been my only issue.

[@waynejohnson5645]

Thanks for your time, good info...helped a lot.

[@DMB123ful]

How do you get to the passenger side nut

[@felipealquintaherrera2537]

Thank u so much! I did it with your video!

[@garychannell4663]

Looks after market, and you have to use old part from the original part. There’s way better replacement parts out there.

[@superduper1917]

FYI EVERYONE, There is Power Steering fluid tank in the way on the other side. Seems that profanity laced side of the Jeep was left out of this video, Ha! My hands are bleeding and the Airfilter box might need to come out also. Ug!

[@jeepinwithjulia]

I just bought these and thanks for letting me know what size allens and wrenches. The instructions just say "common tools", ugh, not helpful.

[@ferik.-aerodron1854]

it is easy to watch - nice video

[@henrycolestage7650]

Guys, this is not hard at all. Just use a 1/4 inch drive ratchet and a 13mm small socket. It slips right between the radiator support and the fender on both sides. Putting the nut back on is a little fiddly but even for bear paws like mine, it wasn't hard. You just need the right tool for the job. Results, not excuses ;-)

[@Liemthis1]

Where are these made?

[@vaderbean1]

I ended up purchasing these after my passenger side latch arm ripped off going down the highway sending the top locking tab into the ditch never to be seen again

[@JeepSolid]

Just saw a video this week where a hood took flight on the freeway! I'M FREE!!

[@TrailRecon]

WOW! Scary!

[@jlonguillo]

Pull the grill forward and it's much easier.

[@gregoryhare3652]

I need those for my Jeep. :)

[@208miuwu]

Hood flutter not good I just purchased a Hard Rock Rubie fully loaded I`ll get around to changing soon.

[@TrailRecon]

Hood flutter sucks. If you have the painted fenders, not that these rest on them.

[@208miuwu]

Good to know thanks brother