Abstract: A vehicle with a hood latch assembly includes a latch and latch catch having relative positions which are maintained as the hood closed position of the hood is adjusted to thereby maintain a substantially constant load on the latch assembly. The assembly may include a latch catch with a latch body having an upper hood engaging surface for engaging the hood and isolating hood vibrations. An upwardly projecting neck of the latch catch includes an enlarged head portion with a latch engaging pin. A latch mount incorporated into the latch catch is utilized for coupling the latch catch to a vehicle body. The latch mount may be slidably mounted to a flange of a mounting bracket which is fixedly mounted to the vehicle body. A stop mounted to the vehicle hood engages the upper surface of the latch catch when the hood is in the hood closed position. The latch includes a latch base, a handle pivoted thereto, and a latch hook having a pivot portion pivoted within a yoke of the handle and a hook.

Abstract: A torsion bar hood lift assist includes a torsion bar mounted with a free end portion positioned to engage and travel along a hood interior surface as the hood of the vehicle is opened and closed. As the hood is closed, the torsion bar bends and twists to store energy which is then transferred to the hood to assist in hood opening when the hood is lifted. The free end portion of the torsion bar supports a hood engagement member such as a roller to reduce friction between the torsion bar and hood as energy is transferred. The torsion bar is typically supported at two locations with a bearing block being used to further reduce friction. The free end of the torsion bar engages a hood reinforcing member or plate, which may comprise a hood mounting bracket, and travels against this plate during hood opening and closing.