Do I need to worry about my hood latches that don't lock?

[SargeDiesel]

What is the use case that Jeep stands behind such that my hood isn't locked? I've been looking into purchasing some aftermarket locking hood latches but it seems there isn't a whole lot available. Before you suggest that I haven't Googled it or searched, I have. It would be great to find something that looks nearly OEM without the manufacturer's name or logo on it. Is this even a real concern?

I thought you might like some actual pictures. (Installed on my JTRD)

I also forgot to mention, even though the kit comes with them, I was able to use the OEM latches that attach to the hood (the ones in the kit are identical)

The other plus for me is they use a barrel key instead of a blade key like most others do.. for example , the Quadratec can be picked with just about any small key.(from what I've read/heard) same with other blade key brands.

So for the installation, I had to remove one 10mm nut, remove latch base, replace new latch base and reinstall the 10mm nut... took less than 10 minutes to do both sides.

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[SargeDiesel]

I did these and am perfectly happy with them - look OEM and are an easy install. Another member on this forum said he had some rusting early on, but that has not been the case for me. Happy with the product and its performance over ~2 years.

They look very similar to the ones I posted, with the exception... the ones I got used a barrel key which I prefer over the blade key.

 

[Hawkeyes3312]

Or you can try this. It's a little overengineered

I actually looked at this too. It's preorder and a bit much, but it's exactly what I want to accomplish.

 

[905_gladiator]

installed the RR locking hood latches on my daughters JL....its not bullet proof but might make them think not to waste their time

 

[mrmo]

You didn't look hard enough... but here you go buddy !

I just purchased these for less than $35... they are as OEM as you can get. They are actually IDENTICAL to the oem, with the exception of where the lock hole is and the type of material the metal hood catch is made of or coated with. .... but Nothing is going to stop a determined thief/criminal... but they will keep out the curious and opportunist.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/3034687951...ir0w76wTdi&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

*(The pictures are not my JT, they are stock photos)

Are those keyed different? I see 4 keys, would hope one key for both....just sayin

 

[ShrimpHappens]

Is this even a real concern?

In Iowa, I'm guessing no. Same as where I am.

Average thief is looking for valuables in the passenger compartment.

 

[Hawkeyes3312]

I appreciate all the responses. I am still waiting on some information regarding why our hoods don't latch and lock like every other vehicle on the road? Also, with all the advancements over the years, why do the hoods also require a prop? I fixed that issue already, but I am curious as well.

 

[Mball488]

Someone on this Forum recommended these. I am impressed with the build quality and ease of installation. Seem very secure.

 

[Mball488]

I appreciate all the responses. I am still waiting on some information regarding why our hoods don't latch and lock like every other vehicle on the road? Also, with all the advancements over the years, why do the hoods also require a prop? I fixed that issue already, but I am curious as well.

Jeep has always been known for keeping the heritage. I understand that some export models come standard with hood locks, but really how much is their to steal from under the hood. In regards to the hood prop that is due to us being able to completely fold back the hood and rest it along the windshield frame. That was done way back in the day so that Soldiers could replace engines in the field if necessary and it just kind of stuck. I don't need that function and installed the redline tuning hydraulic lifters to make my life easier.

 

[NachoRuby]

I appreciate all the responses. I am still waiting on some information regarding why our hoods don't latch and lock like every other vehicle on the road? Also, with all the advancements over the years, why do the hoods also require a prop? I fixed that issue already, but I am curious as well.

The hood prop thing is pretty awesome if you're working on anything in the engine bay towards the back (windshield side). You get so much room by flipping the hood up until it rests on the windshield. Also our hoods do latch (but not lock). The side latches are the secondary latches. There's a latch in the middle.

A lot of it is heritage, and "it's a jeep thing" really applies. It's cheap enough to change if you don't like it, which is also big in jeep heritage: a huge aftermarket. Also, I think the allure is that so much is not like every other vehicle on the road.

I'm thinking of adding hydraulic struts with a quick disconnect, so I can still flip the hood back if I want to.

 

[Hawkeyes3312]

Jeep has always been known for keeping the heritage. I understand that some export models come standard with hood locks, but really how much is their to steal from under the hood. In regards to the hood prop that is due to us being able to completely fold back the hood and rest it along the windshield frame. That was done way back in the day so that Soldiers could replace engines in the field if necessary and it just kind of stuck. I don't need that function and installed the redline tuning hydraulic lifters to make my life easier.

I installed the same hydraulic lifters, but thank you for the explanation...makes sense! I've just been running across stories about theft across all vehicles and thought 'Do I need to protect my battery?" or ' Do I need to protect my CAI?'. I realize I am Iowa, which makes it, almost more reasonable to think, I may need some deterrent. What else do the thieves have to do here? Maybe do a donut in a corn field or steal my locking hood latches off my porch?

 

[wchevron]

What would there be under the hood that someone would want to steal?

 

[BLK HOLE]

There's nothing to steal under there, so no.

 

[905_gladiator]

the crooks open the hood disable something their computer reads the vin and they are able to start the vehicle and take off

 

[mog]

Here is the link to the recent Rugged Ridge Hood Lock thread - CLICK
I have these and am very impressed with the quality.

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