everyone who is sick of this thread do the following...and there will NEVER
be any more failed hatch struts EVER..

go to your hardware store.

buy a section of PVC pipe, 1" in dia.

cut it into sections 8" long.

remove the circlip at the bottom of your hatch strut where it meets the body
of the van.

slide a 8" section of 1" dia PVC pipe over the hatch strut.

gravity will make the PVC pipe fall into place, bracing the hatch, keeping
your hatch struts perfect FOREVER...

you dont need to remove it when you close your hatch, just give it a tap, and
it will move out of the way allowing your hatch to close.

cost? however much a 8" long section of cheap 1" dia PVC pipe costs..

do this..and there will be no more hatch strut threads...there will be no
more failed hatch struts....Busdepot will go out of business from lost hatch
strut sales...(jk ron  ;<)

thanks to Karl Bloss for this ingenious idea..

chris