How to Install the Owl Hood Struts for a Sprinter Van

Tools & Parts Required:

Hood struts (x2, included in your kit)
Open-ended wrenches:
- 10mm wrench for removing bolts on your Sprinter Van
- 7/16" and 1/2" wrenches for assembly
Socket wrench (optional, for ease)

Before starting the installation on your Sprinter Van, you’ll need to tighten the ball end joints on the struts.
Take the ball end that’s attached to the mounting bracket. Using your 7/16" wrench, tighten it. Repeat this process for both struts.
Set these struts aside once tightened.

Open the hood of your Sprinter Van.
Use a 10mm wrench (or socket) to remove the bolt located near the fender. This bolt will later secure the bottom part of the strut.
Set the bolt aside as you will reuse it.

Take one of the tightened ball end strut assemblies. The ball end should face inward, towards the engine.
Position the mounting bracket where you removed the factory bolt.
Insert the bolt through the mounting bracket and back into the original hole.
Tighten the bolt securely using your 10mm wrench.

Move to the top hinge where the hood attaches.
Take the second ball end mount and position it in place.
Assemble the hardware as follows:
- Black washer first, then the machined aluminum washer (with the step down side facing up).
- Insert the ball end into the hood’s factory hole.
- Add another machined aluminum washer on the opposite side, then secure it with a Nylock nut.
Use your 1/2" wrench to tighten the entire assembly.
Ensure the ball end is facing toward the engine.

Take one of the gas struts.
For aesthetics, install the larger barrel side of the strut at the top.
Snap the bottom part of the gas strut onto the ball end of the lower bracket.
Press it into place until it clicks.
Next, push the hood slightly higher to allow you to attach the top end of the gas strut onto the upper ball end bracket.
Once both ends are attached, ensure the strut is secure.

Before installing the strut on the other side of the Sprinter Van, remove the factory hood prop.
Pull the retaining pin straight out to release the prop.
Remove the prop entirely.

Now, repeat the installation process on the other side of your Sprinter Van:
- Remove the lower factory bolt.
- Install the lower and upper brackets using the same procedure.
- Attach the second gas strut.

With both gas struts installed, close and open the hood to test the functionality.
The hood should now open smoothly and hold itself up without needing the factory prop.

Congrats on installing your new gear from Owl!

How to install hood struts on your Sprinter Van or Winnebago Revel for easier engine access.