Document the existing hood fit
Before starting, photograph the closed hood from both sides and note any existing unevenness or difficult latching. This editorial baseline helps distinguish an old alignment issue from something introduced during installation. Lay out the driver and passenger hood brackets separately, together with their matching struts, and keep a clear place for the original fasteners. Arrange assistance if you cannot maintain safe hood support while handling the hardware.
Fit the lower brackets
Remove the fender bolt immediately forward of each hood hinge. Position each lower bracket around the plastic vent housing as illustrated; minor trimming may be required. Ford recommends blue threadlocker on these bolts. Tighten to 106 lb-in, ensuring each bracket seats against the fender and cannot rotate.
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Fit the upper brackets one side at a time
Remove the forward hood-hinge bolt and loosen the rear approximately 3/16 inch. Slide the correctly marked D or P bracket between hinge and bolt heads, never between hinge and hood. Reinstall the forward bolt; tighten both to 106 lb-in. Repeat opposite-side work. Keep the washer hose unpinched.
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Attach and orient the supports
After all four brackets are secure, push the struts onto their ball mounts. Rods point down toward the fenders; logos face outward, upright and readable. Rotate fittings as necessary for alignment.
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Keep hood changes in the service record
Ford warns that a lighter aftermarket hood may open forcefully with these struts. Compatibility with an OEM hood does not establish suitability after a later hood replacement. Retain the kit identification with the car’s records and tell a future installer that the supports were changed. If a replacement hood is contemplated, ask its manufacturer and Ford Performance to confirm the combination before reusing the gas supports.
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Products in this guide
Sources / references 2
- Ford Performance M-16826-M installation sheet ↗Reviewed Oct 9, 2026
- Ford Performance M-16826-M product page ↗Reviewed Oct 9, 2026
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