The original ones failed quickly because the left side was weaker than the
right side, a design that probably saved Volkswagen a few cents up front but
caused headaches for Vanagon owners (sometimes literally) over time. The
German ones I sell are equally matched stronger ones, for $19.95 apiece.
You could not get better ones without making the hatch unacceptably
difficult to raise/close. They also will allow the hatch to stay open in any
position desired.  I have been selling them for several years and have yet
to see one fail.

- Ron Salmon
 The Bus Depot
 http://www.busdepot.com
 (215) 234-VWVW