Hey, guys. I am searching for a low tension hood spring for my 2000 quad cab Dakota. About a year ago, I picked up a fiberglass AAR hood, and just got around to putting it on yesterday. In trying to close it, it is pretty stiff, and when I looked it up, the site said I would need a low tension hood spring. I haven't been able to find any, and no instructions on how to remove the stock spring...

any help is appreciated.

 

Use a thick straightblade screwdriver to pull the old springs off. Make sure you have a broomstick supporting the hood already.

 

The hood springs are part of the hinge mechanism. The are large coiled springs and are pretty strong. I'd find a way to disable them, then install a hood rod.

 

I think I'd start by asking the manufacturer of the hood what they recommend for this.

First alternative - Might try these guys. If they know the weight of your old hood, your new hood and had one of the springs from the old hood they might be able to make a set of springs for the new one.
http://www.allrite.com/clock-spring-calculator.html

Second alternative - hydraulic struts. Struts for a vehicle with an aluminum hood that is slightly smaller than yours would likely be the same weight, or near enough to work.

 

You might try McMaster Carr you can order almost any size & pressure