Yep - I did it! I managed to let the tension bar slip off of the rear hood hinge...

How does an average bear get the bar back in place without having to break out a jack hammer on the darn thing?

thanks,

A long metal bar with a slot cut into the side of it near the end.

Some people have sliced into the side of the hole in the handle end of a crescent wrench.

I have used a box-end wrench with no slice in the side. I don't recommend it, it slips off way too easily.

Some have mentioned slipping a deep well 1/4" socket over the end of the arm, and using an extension as the lever.

--DD

This is the point where you consider gas shocks instead.
Kidding... I'm sure you have. But I'm sure happy I went that route. Camp914 has a great kit ready to bolt on. I pulled some off a hatchback at a pull-a-part wrecking yard and fabbed my own brackets.

8 or 9mm 1/4 drive deep well socket slipped over the end of the spring and an extension. open the rear hood to reduce the spring pressure.

k