That damn hatch is too heavy to mess with.  It would take your head off with
bad struts installed.  I use a small pair of vise grips on the crome part,
prolly not good for the piston seals, will buy a new pair someday...

-----Original Message-----
From: marcus <marcus46@FREEWWWEB.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Monday, July 27, 1998 10:24 PM
Subject: Re: rear hatch gas shock lifespan?

>David
>On my 1985.5 was every 5 years.But I use the rear door probably more
>than most.$100 per pair at dealer.And you have to manually lift the door
>up.On the 1988, open it 14" and it will go up by it self.$69 per set.But
>don't know where po got them.Germany made, Called Suspander/aut-fit  typ
>16-2 016 03455 6oon 3595.BTW the broomstick is too short. Unless you use
>the bumper and then it might slip or scratch the paint.      Marcus
>
>David Hicks wrote:
>>
>> If I find a pair of new rear hatch gas shock/lifts does anyone know their
>> approximate lifespan? I've ever had a vehicle that these have worked on
and
>> would hate to spend the money for a pair that'll only last a couple of
years.
>> I might as well buy a broomstick!
>> Thnks,
>> Davi91 Multi - getting no help at all lifting my rear hatch