Upgrade Your Ford F-350's Hood for Improved Performance and Style

Upgrading Your F-350 Hood for Improved Performance

If you own a Ford F-350 pickup truck, you know it's built for power and performance. And one way to get even more out of your truck is by upgrading components like the hood. The factory hood that comes on the F-350 is fairly basic. So installing an aftermarket or custom hood can really transform the look and function of your truck.

In this article, we'll look at reasons to upgrade your F-350's hood, types of hoods available, and important considerations when choosing a new hood.

Benefits of Upgrading Your F-350 Hood

Here are some of the benefits that a new aftermarket or custom hood can provide for your F-350 pickup:

• Improved engine cooling - Many aftermarket hoods have integrated scoops, vents or ducts to help get more cool air into the engine bay. This is especially helpful if you have added performance modifications or haul heavy loads.
• Weight reduction - Swapping the stock hood for a lightweight carbon fiber or fiberglass hood can shave pounds off the front of your truck. Less weight improves acceleration, braking and fuel economy.
• Custom style - A new hood totally transforms the look of your F-350. Choose a bold color, add racing stripes, or get an aggressive hood with sculpted ventilation.
• Increased engine access - Some custom and aftermarket hoods feature hinges or removeable panels to make it easier to access the engine for maintenance and repairs.
• Improved safety - Upgrading to a hood with OEM crash ratings or a reinforced structure enhances safety in a collision.

Types of F-350 Hoods Available

There are a few main options when looking for an upgraded replacement hood for your Ford F-350:

Aftermarket Hoods

Many companies manufacture direct replacement F-350 hoods that are bolt-on upgrades over the factory hood. Popular brands include Spyder, ACS Composite, and Wade. Benefits of aftermarket hoods include lower cost, quick installation, and a wide range of materials and styles.

Carbon Fiber Hoods

For the ultimate in weight savings and a custom look, carbon fiber F-350 hoods are available. Real carbon fiber is lightweight yet strong. A carbon hood weighs under 30 pounds versus over 50 for a factory steel hood. Downsides are higher cost and potentially more complexity in finishing and installation.

Custom Hoods

For truck owners wanting a truly one-of-a-kind F-350, a custom fabricated hood is the choice. Aluminum, steel, or fiberglass hoods can be sculpted and molded into unique designs. Custom paint or wraps, wings, scoops and more can be added. The cost is higher but the end result is a hood no one else has.

Key Considerations When Upgrading Your Hood

Here are a few important things to factor in when shopping for a new F-350 hood:

• Truck model year - Make sure any aftermarket or custom hood is designed specifically to fit your F-350's model year. Most hoods are designed for 2004-2016 trucks.
• Hood style - F-350 hoods come in flat, domed, and tilted styles. Make sure to get the style you want, whether stock or custom.
• Performance needs - If engine cooling is a priority, look for a hood with functional scoops, vents and ducts.
• Reinforced construction - Some hoods feature reinforced panels, steel frames, or added bracing for extra strength and safety.
• Hardware and insulation - Quality aftermarket hoods include factory style hinges, latches, and sound deadening insulation for a proper fit and finish.
• Finish and paint - Make sure the finish or paint matches your truck. Or choose a pre-painted hood for convenience.

Installing Your New F-350 Hood

Once you've selected the perfect upgraded hood for your F-350, it's time to tackle the installation. Here are some tips for a smooth hood swap:

Get Pro Help If Needed

While it's possible to DIY an F-350 hood install, don't be afraid to have a professional mechanic or body shop do the work if you lack the skills, tools or time. The cost of paying a pro is usually reasonable.

Transfer Parts from Old Hood

Your new hood likely won't include hardware like hinges, springs, supports and latches. Carefully remove these parts from your factory hood and transfer them over to your new hood.

Adjust Hood Fitment

Test fit and adjust the hood alignment on the truck before final install. There will be some trial and error getting the gaps and height just right. Using hood shims or adjusters helps fine tune the fit.

Secure All Fasteners

Use thread locker fluid on all hood hardware threads. Double check each bolt and nut is tightened to the proper torque spec after install to prevent loose hardware down the road.

Have Truck Aligned

Even small changes in weight up front can throw off your truck's alignment. Have an alignment done after the new hood is installed so you don't wear out tires prematurely.

Enjoy Your Upgraded F-350

That's it - with your slick new hood installed you'll be able to drive your F-350 with a whole new level of style and performance. No longer will you have just another work truck - your truck will stand out from the crowd. And you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that the extra power under the hood is properly showcased.

FAQs

What are the main benefits of upgrading my F-350's hood?

The main benefits are improved engine cooling, weight reduction, custom styling options, increased engine access, and enhanced safety.

What types of materials are aftermarket F-350 hoods made from?

Most common materials are fiberglass, carbon fiber, aluminum, and steel. Each has its own benefits - fiberglass and carbon fiber are light but more expensive, steel is heavy but strong and affordable.

Should I install the hood myself or have it done professionally?

You can install the hood yourself if you're handy with tools and have help lifting it into place. Using a pro mechanic ensures proper fit and hardware installation.

Do I need to get my truck realigned after installing a new hood?

Yes, even small weight changes up front require a wheel alignment to avoid premature tire wear. Plan on an alignment after hood installation.

Will my factory hood hardware like hinges fit on an aftermarket hood?

Most aftermarket hoods are designed to reuse your original hardware. But some custom hoods may require drilling new mounting holes or getting new hardware.