im taking my hood hinges off of my duster and wanted to know the best way to go about it. i looked through the tech archives but didn't come across anything. any help is appreciated!

thanks!

Some will tell you to remove the inner fenders and go in that way.
I was able to remove the washer that holds the hinge to the pivot point by going in behind the open door. It put up a good fight but I eventually got it off and was able to reuse it.

Underneath the undercoating in the wheelwell is an access panel. You can unbolt it from there but I've never tried to remove a hinge that way. I believe it's possible though.

Take the fenders off. Easiest way to access them without going completely insane Depending on how old the clips are that hold them on, it's better to take a wire cutter and just cut them off, and get new ones when you re-install them. If you do choose to go at them from the door jamb, make sure there are no little kids around

thanks guys...i just removed that panel.

You might get lucky removing them without pulling the fenders but there's a chance the hinges may not slide straight off the pins once the retainers are cut due to other interference. Mine had to be tilted at an angle to get them on and off the top pin and there's no way to do that with the fenders on.

Pull the inner panel (splashield)

You can pop the spring off with a large screwdriver BUT it's not necessary (it sometimes helps relax the hinges allowing them pull off the pins easier.

Mask off the inner fender, hinge area

Cut off the retaining rings

Reach in with a long screwdriver and gently pry the hinges off the pins

It WILL take some time and finess but you will get them off without pulling the fender or door.

It is a frustrating job but alot easier them pulling sheetmetal.