There is a quick way to relieve the burden on those struts using a small diameter of PVC or two push rod tubes from an old air cooled engine.Simply remove one strut, slide the tube on and replace the strut.  When lifting the hatch, lift it past the point of the tube, letting the tube fall to the slim rod.Then let go and the hydraulic cylinder rests against your modification tube.To release it, push the hatch up higher than your mod-tube.  Center the tube and let it slide back over the hydraulic cylinder.Another cheapo hack!

> Date: Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:57:48 -0700
> From: olgreywoof@GMAIL.COM
> Subject: Re: Weird Hatch Struts?
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> 
> Another story...  My original struts died at 5 years.  Replaced with VW
> (dealer) struts that also died at 5 years.  Replaced with Bus Depot's, 2
> of the one's originally for right side only, and after 13 years they
> seem as strong as when new.
> 
> Some people might not like this setup -- it takes some force to pull the
> hatch down.  (I've wondered if a little person might be able to hang on
> the open hatch.)  But if what you want is to not be clunked on the head
> anymore, or not walk into the sagging hatch, this takes care of it.