Rugged Ridge Hood Latch Install - Jeep Wrangler JK

In this episode we take a close up look at Rugged Ridges XHD Hood Catches and then install them on our Jeep Wrangler. These latches have great styling, much better than the stock plastic ones, are made of heavy duty aluminum and have stainless steel Hardware. This will keep our Jeeps hood from fluttering when we are driving down the highway with a strong headwind.

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Rugged Ridge Aluminum Hood Catches
Is your hood fluttering while driving? This could be a sign that it is time to replace your hood catch. The Rugged Ridge Aluminum Hood Catches are built as a strong direct replacement for the OE catches that degrade and fail after years of use. These hood catch kits are adjustable, durable and aesthetically pleasing. The adjustable tension rod guarantees a precise fit. Installation is a breeze for any do-it-yourselfer with basic hand tools; the catches were designed to be a bolt-on solution using the same mounting points as the factory hardware.

Standard Features
Adjustable, sturdy
Rugged Ridge aluminum construction (available in black or silver finish)
Easy installation; bolt on solution
Same mounting points as factory hardware

[jcw]

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.

[vtvt]

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

[guitarbluz]

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 :)

[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!

[mirandaamaya]

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!

[outlaw]

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.

[hrico]

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.

[outlaw]

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!

[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!

[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!!!

[terrysciarrotta]

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.

[jimtrujillo]

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.

[nordiq]

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

[ToddKirst]

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

[jxinx]

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.

[anthonyserio]

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

[missouriprepper]

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

[dougholloway]

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

[chuckoman]

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