Proper aftermarket hood latch ?

[anduff]

I am looking for some proper aftermarket hood latches for my 2020 JT. Have tried the usual sources that say JK, JL and JT are the same but they are not. Our JTs and assume JL has a hood "rest" built in. This rest give something for the latch to tension too. The several brands I have tried did not have the rest and there was no good way to get a good "latch" without distorting the hood down. Anyone else find something other than stock, mine are getting chewed up by varmits, lol.

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[Viper501]

I’d suggest the .22 w/ suppressor solution. I haven’t replaced mine but have seen a bunch of folks discussing them on here. The overall impression I got, since I was considering going with locking units, was that the factory really does it better than the aftermarket unless you need a lock. If you need a lock then I’d suggest the bolt branded hood lock that goes in the center of the opening and locks down the under hood release. I put one in and gave me much better peace of mind and since it uses your blade key you don’t have any new keys to worry about.

 

[Idlethunder]

I went with these back in February. They look similar to factory and are lockable. So far they are working well. https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Wrangle...778948615&sprefix=tuzilla+jeep,aps,307&sr=8-1

 

[BourbonRunner]

I replaced stock with these in March and have no complaints. https://a.co/d/0htKkqu3

 

[anduff]

Ill look at those dont really need the lock, thanks. I understand the solutions to critters, need to find a repair for the jeep. Again our JTs need the brace/rest behind the latch which eliminated most aftermarket.

 

[Heater]

I have these. Nice and great quality.

https://ruggedridge.com/p/rugged-ridge-locking-hood-catches/

 

[jeramie964]

I put on a set of Ridge XHD Aluminum Hood Catches a few months ago. I had the same ones on my JK for 10 years. I really like them.

 

[anduff]

Im not sure how to explain what I have, maybe my 2020 is different. My latches have a rest built in that the hood comes down on. I have tried several aftermarket brands like you suggested and I couldn't get it to be solid. Ill post my picture again and circle what Im asking. Yes, I can tighten yhe latch but its warping the hood and the fender to hood gap is way off. The hood is also resting metal to metal on the header.

 

[Idlethunder]

The latches I used back on 2022 either came with the rest or I reused the ones from the factory. They were made by rugged ridge

 

[g2020]

I have these. Nice and great quality.

https://ruggedridge.com/p/rugged-ridge-locking-hood-catches/

Update on 2026-06-02:

I installed the RUGGED RIDGE LOCKING HOOD CATCH (sold as a pair) part # 11210.32. The only remotely tricky part was adjusting the components to equalize the hood gap.

Order date: 2026-05-16

- Credit card is charged soon after order is placed (not when order is shipped)​

- I contacted Rugged Ridge by phone to expedite my order. Communication with their offshore customer service was somewhat labored, but my order was eventually delivered. Unlike some other online retailers, their phone number is displayed on their website. ​

Delivery date: 2026-05-31

Protection: Better-than-nothing theft deterrent

Construction, color, & appearance: Aluminum, black, & similar look to original hood catches

Keys: Two keys are provided. I prefer three or four keys, but this is not a deal-breaker.

Warranty: 5 years

Fitment:
- These catches are a closer fit to the the original hood catches (MOPAR 68240952AE, now 68240952AF, sold individually / as a single) than RedRock part # J154607, but hood compression is still higher than the original hood catches. This causes the Hood Safety Catch Hook (in the center, under the hood) to rub against the striker. If you are not comfortable with this slight distortion in the hood, look for a different solution.

Original reply:

The locking hood latch in your photo is different from the one shown on the website.

After buying RedRock Locking Hood Catch Kit J154607, I uninstalled the new latches because the hood compression was very high, and then reinstalled the originals. I don't have a problem with hood flutter.

I'm still looking for a set of locking hood latches that won't significantly warp the hood.

As for the OP's question about latch parts, I suggest looking for a pair of OEM take-offs removed by someone who has installed locking hood latches.

 

[Heater]

The locking hood latch in your photo is different from the one shown on the website.

After buying RedRock Locking Hood Catch Kit J154607, I uninstalled the new latches because the hood compression was very high, and then reinstalled the originals. I don't have a problem with hood flutter.

I'm still looking for a set of locking hood latches that won't significantly warp the hood.

As for the OP's question about latch parts, I suggest looking for a pair of OEM take-offs removed by someone who has installed locking hood latches.

Apparently it defaults to the TJ type. Enter your vehicle info on the right and the ones in the picture show up.

 

[ASU_Greg]

I have these. Nice and great quality.

https://ruggedridge.com/p/rugged-ridge-locking-hood-catches/

I am running these and I’m very happy with them.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I am running these and I’m very happy with them.

I'd have bought them but they were both out of stock and substantially more expensive than the ones i posted above. Ive got a bunch of RR stuff but that gave me a couple extra bucks for other Jeep stuff.

 

[MSFTMatt]

I have these in black and really like them. The turnbuckles have jam nuts so you can adjust and keep the throw
https://combat-offroad.com/collections/hood-latch-set

 

[anduff]

I guess the Combat ones dont need the hood rest at the latch?

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