F250 Hood Latch

[pritch272]

Hello-

I have a hood latch that won't latch- just bought the truck last week, and I did have my mechanic check it out, so if there was an issue with the latch, I'm sure he would have told me, (he did replace an idler). I opened the hood this weekend to scope everything out and when I went to close it, it wouldn't latch. I drove it to the corner Advance Auto Parts, and the guy there didn't have a clue- I'm going to get with my mechanic when he gets in this morning, but it's starting to look like I might need a replacement hood latch- The release handle seems ok, you pull it to release, and it seems to retract ok, I've tried moving that back and forth to no avail- I did a few searches for hood latches, but have come up empty- Does anyone have a recommendation for where I might obtain an economical replacement latch?

Also, what model do I have, I see super cab, crew cab, etc, I have 4 doors but the 2 rear doors do not have outside handles (see attached pictures), and it's cramped in the back seat for adults.

View attachment 2777 View attachment 2779

Thanks, Pritch

 

[fordtrucker4life!]

you have a super cab, the crew cab has full size rear doors. As for the latch there is a place i buy replacement parts, mostly body, but they have a lot in other stuff. www.shermanparts.com what year is that truck 99-02 right?

 

[pritch272]

Thanks, yes, it is a 2000 model. Thanks for the link.

 

[dpantazis]

pritch- i have same truck.

hood latch- make sure the stops are adjusted right. maybe they have worked themselves loose or out. if ti adjustment, then its pretty easy to fix.i had to readjust mine after taking mine off this weekend.

start by taking the grill off or easiest adjustment and room to work. you don't have to, but i thought it was easier.

take out 4 screws that hold the top of the grill on.
on the bottom there are 4 spring clips that you pry out.
remove grill.
​

there is a wiki page on grill removal too i think. look top right corner of this page for link.

pry off the rubber cowling that is behind the sub-grill and crossover. they are plastic push in 'nails', like 10 of them. thin scrwedriver from under the rubber cowling, worked prying up from each side of the nails. work them side to side. butter knife would work too.

you will see the hood latch assembly. it is secured with 2 bolts and star washers.

you can take it off so you can adjust the hood stops to get nice margins. then attach the latch ass'y.

snug the bolts so they are snug but not tight so you can still tap the hood latch around and it stay.

close the hood and make sure the latch is up to catch the bail. snug the bolts.

all said, should take you less than half an hour depending how many beers you drinnk along the way.

that should be it. now is a good time to lube it all up.

dennis

 

[pritch272]

Thanks, Dennis-

I took it to my mechanic friend right after lunch, he adjusted it in about 3 minutes, but didn't have to remove anything, the 2 bolts were readily accessible.

I'm very glad to be able to get ready assistance from fellow forum members, it will be a one way street I'm sure while I get on firm ground with this beautiful machine.

I traded a 2001 Sonoma on this and it's like night and day- Our Tow Vehicle *was* a 2000 GMC Safari V6, and pulling about 5,000#. Hooking up to this truck, I didn't see the truck move very much if at all. Wow!

Pritch-

 

[Lord Tauk]

Nice looking truck.

 

[pritch272]

Thanks, I wasn't in the market, but this kind of just fell into my lap, so I couldn't resist. I was thinking about buying new in about 5 years, but this is better- much better. Get to use it *now*. It is very nice!

Pritch-