Two laterally spaced hinges (18, 20) each comprising a pair of pivotally connected brackets (22, 24) (74, 74') one bracket being connected to the hood (10) (10') or deck lid and the other to the edge of the vehicle opening. A pair of links (42, 44) (82, 84) pivotally connected together at one end extend between the brackets of each hinge. Each pair of links is pivotally connected at opposite ends to the associated brackets and in a first embodiment arranged such that the links of one pair (42) fold and unfold in opposite directions from the links of the other pair (44) when the hinges are swung during opening or closing of the hood or deck lid. In a second embodiment, the two pairs of links (82, 84) fold in the same direction. A torsion rod (36) (104) extends between the hinges and is connected at opposite ends to the links of each pair, such that upon closing the deck lid or hood, the links twist the torsion rod at its ends in opposite directions to tension it.

A torsion bar hood assist system for a vehicle which has a hood that pivots between an open and a closed position. The hood assist system includes a compact torsion mechanism with at least two torsion bar sections. The torsion mechanism of the hood assist system is mounted distant from a pivot axis of the hood. The torsion mechanism is engaged to the vehicle in a manner which allows the torsion mechanism to be mounted distant from the hood pivot axis and reduces the stresses imparted to the torsion mechanism when the hood is pivoted.

A vehicle rear lift gate hinge and counterbalance assembly (22) includes a pair of laterally spaced hinges (24) and a counterbalance (25) including a torque rod (26) for pivotally supporting and counterbalancing a vehicle rear lift gate (18) for movement between open and closed positions with respect to a rear opening (14). Each hinge (24) includes a vehicle mounted hinge member (28) and a gate mounted hinge member (30) pivotally connected to each other. The torque rod (26) has a unitary construction including a central portion (38) ends (40) that include U-shaped bight portions (42) respectively received between laterally spaced portions (34) of one of the hinge members and engageable with an engagement portion (36) of the other hinge member to provide counterbalancing adjacent the closed position of the lift gate (18).

A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.

A method and apparatus for coupling a liftgate panel on a vehicle body for pivotal movement along a path between open and closed positions. A mounting includes hinge sets formed from two hinge leafs, at least one torsion rod extending through aligned pivot portions on each hinge set. Preferably, each hinge set is integrally formed with a common torsion pin by retainers holding ends of the torsion pin with respect to one leaf of each of the hinge sets. In a preferred embodiment, a return bent end of a common torsion pin is received in a first leaf of one of at least two hinge sets, while the other end of the rod is return bend and retained in a second leaf catch that receives an arm throughout a limited portion of the liftgate path between closed and open positions.