There are two rear struts for teh Vanagon - left and right.� One is very strong (ends in 332) and the other is medium strong (ends in 331B).� Two weak ones will not supports the hatch.� Two strongs support the hatch wonderfully but you will need to put some effort into bringing the hatch down - this is what I use, they have lasted for years now with no sign of going out.

VW put one of each on so that the hatch is easier to lower for those that do not want to put effort into lowering it.� My preference is to put two strong ones.� Lasts a long time and no fear of the hatch crashing down on you.

Z

________________________________
From: Rob <becida@COMCAST.NET>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Friday, April 10, 2009 12:56:10 AM
Subject: Re: rear hatch struts

At� 4/9/2009 10:08 PM, dj wrote:
>I need to buy new rear hatch struts for an 86 Vanagon we are fixing up.
>Gowesty says they have the right combo but I also see others for less. Any
>advice? deek

I just put ONE new one on my '84, a world of difference having the
hatch stay where you put it.
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/search?keywords=hatch+strut Hatch
Strut - Right or Left 251.829.332 1 $18.95

The best $20 I've spent in a long time

Rob
becida@comcast.net
In western WA with an '84 Westy and a summer before me.