Hood alignment question

[red71cheyenne]

Guys, just trying to see if my logic is sound here...Ya, I know fat chance. Anyway, the hood is off of alignment on the Blazer. Its close to touching the front of the fender on the driver's side, but about an inch and a half from the passenger side in the front. At the rear its close to touching the passenger side fender and about a half inch from the fender on the drivers rear. I've swung it as much as I can with the bolts and still no joy.

What I'm thinking is, shim the rear passenger side further out, right now it has about 1/8 of shim. Either leave the drivers side where it is, or remove the 1/8 on that side. I'm thinking this will push the rear out on the driver's side and allow the front to come closer to alignment.

I know pics would help, but I'm at work now. I'll post some shots tonight.

[mrh33916]

Did you try loosening the radiator support bolts from the frame and moving the whole front end (radiator support) towards the drivers side? (I pulled mine over with a ratcheting strap)

Also, try moving the hood latch towards the driver side of the hood so when it shuts it pushes the front of the hood back toward the passenger side.

If you can follow what I'm saying you're basically pushing the front end one way and the hood the other to get the gaps right.

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by mrh33916

Did you try loosening the radiator support bolts from the frame and moving the whole front end (radiator support) towards the drivers side? (I pulled mine over with a ratcheting strap)

Also, try moving the hood latch towards the driver side of the hood so when it shuts it pushes the front of the hood back toward the passenger side.

If you can follow what I'm saying you're basically pushing the front end one way and the hood the other to get the gaps right.

I haven't yet, but just thought of the same thing while I was sitting on the throne. I do my best thinking there. Here's some pics of what I'm dealing with.

I tried adding about 3/4 inch of shim to both sides one at a time and no joy. So I took all the shims out except 1/16 on all 4 bolts and here is where it sits. Its at the end of travel for the hood bolts to get this far.

[red71cheyenne]

You can't really tell it by looking but the passenger side is back from the grille by about 1/2 inch and on the driver's side it is forward almost the same amount. Of course, the passenger is way far back into the cowl too, thats why its removed.

[gkesseru]

Are your hood side rubber bumpers in place? They are important in aligning the hood when closed.

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

Are your hood side rubber bumpers in place? They are important in aligning the hood when closed.

Yes, all four are installed.

[red71cheyenne]

Update:

Loosened up the core support mount bolts and put Mr. Pry Bar on it. It moved over maybe a 1/4 inch. Tightened it back down and my hood is closer to being right. Gonna try and scoot it over some more when I can figure out a way to latch on to the core suppport without having to pull the fenders and all.

Thanks to you guys for the help!

[gkesseru]

Has the cab slipped on it's mounts so it's forward more on one side?

[red71cheyenne]

Originally Posted by gkesseru

Has the cab slipped on it's mounts so it's forward more on one side?

I don't think so. The body mounts are all new and its been pretty much in the same place since the reinstall. That makes me wonder though if it could be a little out of square. I'll check that too. Thanks for the hint!