just replaced the original rear gate struts on the '95 wagon. one failed last week, and the hatch wouldn't stay open.

 

got some new ones via rhino-pak (made in the usa even). removal of old and installation of new took about 25 minutes.

 

hatch actually lifts itself open now. for years, i've been "helping" it open, although it always stayed open until a week ago. i'll probably whack myself a few times as it opens by itself.

 

the driver's side was the one that failed. cost with shipping was $37.

those replacement ones usually only last a year. when they fail its best to get some decent still working ones from a junkyard

problem with the j/y struts is you don't know if you'll get 3 months or 10 years out of them. i'll take my chances with the new ones. at the very least, they fit exactly as the originals.

 

maybe i'll only get a year out of them. or maybe not.