So I just took delivery of my 2008 . On the way home in a strong wind I hit the brakes quite abruptly when I saw the hood move an awful lot. Or at least what I thought was a lot. This is not my first jeep but its been a few years about 10 I think. Two YJ's and an 85 CJ but I cant remember the hoods moving that much. Anyway I chalked it up to the wind that day and no doubt it had something to do with it but it still seemed excessive . Well Its happened again in less windy conditions all though still windy but it still seems excessive. It all seems tight at a stand still. Am I hallucinating ? Or is has anyone else experienced this?

 

You are not hallucinating I too have seen the same thing more then once. Really strong head winds on the highway will "lift' the hood ever so much. Like most late model vehicals there is a safety latch under the hood that must be move in order for the hood to open. The lift is the flex caused by the rubber hold downs....not sure the YJs and CJ's did have metal hold downs, but under spring load.

Wouldn't hurt to inspect your rubber hold downs for something loose, I did.

Welcome back to the Jeep club, enjoy your new ride!

 

Yep! and you don't need wind, passing a big rig or crossing one will do the trick, to fix the problem Daystar came up with Hood Latch Upgrade, Item Number: KJ09145BK, cost 24.99US.
My brother as some on his and it work, mine are in order should received them this week/next.

http://www.daystarweb.com/productdetail.php?productID=382

And YES it is scary ,,,,,i'm hood approved,,, happened with my CJ-7 at 100km/h, some stupid jack *** thought it would be fun to unlatch the hood and see what appends

 

Yes thanks for the tip! I found that kit shortly after I found the Jeeps unlimited forum.
I have also heard that there is an OE update kit now available possibly under warranty. I will be checking this out this week sometime I will post my findings

 

Have install them this weekend and they work, they hold town very thight,,wacth the fingers,,,the thing is you will need 1/4 ratchet with a small head to be able to reach the bolts... pictures to come...

 

there is video of this on you tube... i dont see why we have to fix it? is it part of the warranty?

 

I had the same problem on my 2008 JK...bought the Daystars and they work great!!
Neighbour got a 2009 JK and shortly after got a "recall notice" from Jeep to come in and get the holdowns changed out for new ones under warranty.
He says they are a bit better...but nothing compared to my Daystars.

 

I installed the Daystars 6 months ago and they are great! I still do not agree "we" should have to pay another company to fix another companies problem though :(

 

Another good way to stop it is to just remove the Hood spring. With the hood sitting right down it doesn't catch nearly the amount of air it does with that sping in place.

 

A friend I was out with on saturday offroading has a 08 jk and I noticed he put plastic tie straps thur them to make them tighter, said he had the same problem. Cheap fix for him.