Jeep Wrangler Forum banner

Locking hood latches?

7K views 22 replies 18 participants last post by  JCS2179 
#1 ·
Hello, I own a 2002 Jeep Wrangler X that has plastic hood latches. I am about to move permanently to Mexico and I would like to make my car more secure against petty theft (I lived in Mexico for a long time, and even in my decent neighborhood petty theft of car batteries was extremely common).

Is there a locking hood latch kit that I could purchase? I don't want to sound lazy, I have searched but I have yet to find a full replacement kit, much less instructions for how to install such a thing. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!
 
#4 ·
Hey, thanks for the links, but I'm wondering about options. I can only find the SmittyBilt locks for the TJ, and they have terrible reviews. People say they don't line up, they break, etc.

There seem to be more options for the post-2006 Wranglers, but I don't think one of those would fit mine.

Does anybody know of better alternatives than SmittyBilt for a 2002 Wrangler X?
 
#12 ·
Well..I just went to install the Tuffy lock and it's a horror. It's a nice, high quality piece and I got it to bolt in easily enough (helps to have small hands) by using two wrenches with extensions. That went fine because there's only one way it bolts in despite having an elongated slot. In order for it to fit and line up you can only bolt it down one way to have access to the lock and have the latch line up. Even then it's way over to the left, right against the grill so installing and turning the key is difficult.

After installing it I put the key to the open position and closed the hood. Well it locks alright..you can't get it unlocked or open! I was able to get the bolts off in spite of it being locked (so much for it being secure!) and now I'm returning the damn thing.

Amazon is full of similar reviews like mine that say it just doesn't fit or is hard to live. But then some people say it works fine. For me it didn't work and aside from doing some heavy modding to the part itself I can't see how I could get this to work and live with it. Just turning the key was a pain never mind locking and unlocking it! It would be far easier to just get a lock for the battery. All the other options are either for JKs or locks that have even worse reviews.
 
#10 ·
Can anyone tell me how to properly care for a locking hood latch? I recently purchased a 97 Jeep Wrangler and the latch key doesn't turn at all. I have it in the right way, but maybe I should change the locks to regular latches? I'm concerned about oil changes/ etc. mechanics have to be able to open this as well as ourselves. Thank you for any input. I'm new to this forum. I hope it goes to the right place.
 
#13 ·
My son bought me a set of Rampage hoodlocks for Father's Day. They were a bit of pain to install but once we figured out the 1st side other side wasn't bad.

They are not as easy to open and close as the rubber latches but they work and there is no hood flutter. I can't see how someone would get the hood open without going through a lot of effort.

They cost about $75 and they are well built and look better on my Jeep than the factory latches.
 
#20 ·
#23 ·
Well, I just ordered this Amazon.com: Bolt 7026128 Jeep Wrangler JK Hood Lock: Automotive .

Due to COVID-19 ramping up here in Chicago, my wife is being recalled to her hospital. We need a (short term) second car, so she's getting my 18' Recon. Yep, we live in Chicago so Hellooooo Hood Lock!:devilish: I already have a winch in there that's pretty tight, so not looking forward to "simply pulling the grille forward". it's gonna be a knuckle scraper for sure! Ugh
I thought about doing the lockable latches on the sides, but honestly, they all look so damn ugly!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top