with the fender (easiest) or splash shield you heat the spring with a torch. Get the spring good and hot and then (with the hood up) pull down 1/4 of the way and cool the spring with a wet rag. Once cool open the hood and try to close it, if it still has alot of tension do it again until you get the "feel" you want. I dont know if you can go "back" if you go to far so expect it to take you 5 or 6 "pulls". With two people it makes it much easier.