Reviews for DV8 Offroad D-JP-190001-K Hood Hold Downs for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK

Nowhere does it mention that the brackets are plastic. They look like cast metal-something in photos, but are fiberglass reinforced plastic. (I'm assuming - there's sparkling fibers in it). Minus a star for that considering they're a C-note plus in price.

I have to say that they are a PITA to install. It's not Drake's fault, it's the way Jeep decided to bury the bolts on the lower bracket. I was considering removing the grill and headlights, but my winch is in the way, so I suffered on and dealt with them. On the passenger side, I used the OEM factory nut.

In photos, the turnbuckle pieces like stamped metal, but they are actually machined billets and the grooves are machined in for looks. All hardware except for the cables look like stainless steel, and are high quality.

Once they're installed, it's not too hard to get them aligned and set. I set mine to the point that the locking bar drags a little bit, so a slight push on the top of the hood releases the tension making them easy to install/remove. Note: they do not allow even the SLIGHTEST raising of the hood, so you don't need much tension on the rods. Just enough to prevent rattle. The hood raising up alarmingly with passing semis and/or headwinds is OVER WITH.

Watch out for the little spacer rings on the lower brackets, don't lose them. They're needed to center the turn buckle. Also, test fit both buckles end-for-end to find the ends that slip into the upper brackets the easiest. Use the tightest Heim joint at the top so it doesn't flip-flop when you're closing the hood or they're hard to line up and slide into the upper brackets.

wire rust very fast, and very tough to open if its cold outside like here in Quebec , otherwise its A1, hold tight.

I normally do not write reviews for products I have purchased (this is maybe the second time I have done a review ever). However, I am very disappointed with the quality of this product and customer service I received after the product broke.
I bought this product after my factory hood latch snapped as I was driving down the highway. I decided to replace with the Drake latches because I liked the look. They were tricky to install, but not too difficult.
This winter when I was getting my oil changed from the dealership, I noticed that the push part of the push pin was pulled almost off (like the dealership had attempted to for the pin out without pushing the button to release it). I let it go until the next time I took it in to get the oil changed (went to a different dealership and explained about the latches). When I got it back, I noticed the same thing and this time, I could not get the latch off (the ball was holding it in). When I was finally able to get the latch of the spring and the little ball flew out and I lost the little ball.

I called Drake and they seemed happy to send me a replacement pin. I waited 3 weeks and after not receiving anything, I called back. Drake then said the warranty (purchased July 2015) on the pins had expired and I would need to call Quadratec and order a new set. VERY DISAPPOINTED!!!

Doesn't work with Bushwacker fenders, ask me how I know...

Additionally, the brackets are made of plastic, doesn't exactly inspire confidence... Put my old all-metal ones back on and throwing these in the drawer in case someone else needs them in the future. Way, way overpriced for what they are.

Super disappointing response from the company.

I took my Jeep to a shop only a few weeks after installing them. The bolts loosened up on the highway and I lost one of the turnbuckles. I contacted DV8 support about them sending me a replacement and their customer service supervisor told me to spend another $20 to just purchase the black ones.

Unfortunately, the turnbuckle isn't something you can just run out to a box store and pick up. I haven't found a replacement yet for that size bolt. I ended up pulling off the highway and driving somewhere to install some extra zip ties around the bolts frame until I can get another one. At least my hood didn't blow off on the highway!

Note that I am only giving this 1 star because of how easily the jam nuts came loose after tightening them down originally (could be the garage I took it to?) AND specifically for their customer service not being able to throw me a cheap matching replacement after telling them that I nearly destroyed my hood at high speeds down the highway. Sure. It's not their fault that stuff happens, but it sure is a crappy response for what should be a simple company policy update so their customer service can actually do something other than tell you to spend more money. I would have even paid the estimated $10 for a replacement, but they just don't offer one.(envisioning a warehouse with barrels overflowing with these things) Hopefully my review will save a few of you from making the same errors I made.

I HIGHLY recommend using some thread locker to hold the jam nuts in place so you don't make the same $125 mistake I did and end up having to also spend the extra $20 for the custom-size black turnbuckles in their place. Be aware that not all garage employees may understand how to unlock hood latches like this either. Be sure to check them for looseness after any service, state inspection, or shop maintenance you don't do yourself.

I really like the appearance and function of these hood latches and thought these would be fairly durable, but have significant rust on one of them after just three months (live in SoCal).