I installed it in about 5 minutes with a small flat head screwdriver (lift the metal band on the end of the gas cylinder, this will release the ball joint that secures the gas cylinder attach to the bracket on the hood. Before installing the new part, apply some lithium grease to the ball joint attachment point before installing. The old grease that came on my truck from the factory is completely dry. Do not turn to a lot of force should engage with relative ease. If you reach out and yank the mount off your car, you're screwed. These shocks support my heavy hood with ease.