Sorry to bring this thread back to life, but I think it important for others that search this topic to get the most points of view possible. I am at the stage of reassembling my hood that I split awhile back...
My plan is to use neoprene foam rubber sandwiched between the rear brace and hood sheet metal. If you look at the assembly manual, something was there different from the tar impregnated "paper" that was used extensively in other parts of the truck. The neoprene foam is very compressible and should hold up well to the underhood environment. I am in the construction industry and sourced the neoprene from my HVAC subcontractor. The foam is used for metal HVAC duct liner. It is easily cut with a band saw.
