Mark,
I've tried both VW's and Bus Depot's hatch struts.  Our VW dealer sells for
$30 each (used to be $60) with different left and right struts.  Bus Depot
sells $20 each which is exactly the same German brand as VW dealer's but
they sell only the right one.  According to Ron of Bus Depot that the VW's
left strut is weaker which will cause both struts fail prematurely.  I'd
try Ron's since not only it's cheaper but it's the same German brand.
BTW, don't buy that the Vanagon using different hatch struts because of the
rear wiper/washer.  The VW always lists different left/right part numbers
for hatch struts (don't know why?) no matter you have rear wiper/washer or
not!
Regards,
Yi-Ruey Wei
87 Vanagon GL Syncro w/78K miles
85 Jetta GLI w/169K miles
Dallas, Texas

> Date:         Tue, 17 Nov 1998 10:10:19 -0700
> Reply-To:     "Mark A. Williamson" <mwilliamson@ABCH2O.COM>
> From:         "Mark A. Williamson" <mwilliamson@ABCH2O.COM>
> Subject:      Rear Hatch Struts
>
> Hello All
>
> It is my understanding that the struts for rear hatch are not the same on
> both side, for hatches that have the wiper/washer feature.  At least this
 is
> what is reported to me by the local VW dealer's parts department.  Does
> anyone know of an alternate source (other than VW) that makes a suitable
> replacement and that accounts for the apparent difference in the struts
from
> the driver's and passenger's side?  Pep Boys says they have struts, but
does
> not make a distinction between side of the hatch.  Thanks for any
> suggestions.
>
> Mark Williamson
> Denver, CO
> 88 Wolfsburg Weekender
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