I have a 1997 F150 4.6l. Under the hood is, what looks like, a support rod for keeping the hood up. I'm not talking about the two struts mounted to the hood and body. This is a rod with two 90 degree angles near one end that clicks into three storage brackets when not in use. My question is, where does this thing go when in use and how? Its really long and I've looked and looked and can't figure out exactly what it's for.

 

That is you handle to remove the spare tire and for the jack.

 

Like this....

 

Don't feel bad. You're not the first person to think that was a hood support.

 

i thought the same.. luckily I like reading the handbook ..im weird like that and it says in there.