Hi,

I have 2 new tailgate struts to replace my old weak ones that barely and not always hold the gate up. I have all the trim off and have removed the old struts, and have one side of the new ones on.

BUT, I cannot get the other end of either strut on - even with the tailgate held as far up as it can go (almost lifting the back of the car by an assistant) the ball joint will just not quite reach - a few more millimeters! I tried doing one side first but then thought maybe the old strut was holding gate down - no luck.

I compared the parts and the new ones are identical to old - it's the rght part. also can't get the old ones back on.

Any tips for getting these suckers on? Is it just a matter of brute force, a special tool or is there a trick to it?

And wow is that tailgate heavy without any support - snapped the broomhandle I was using to support and whacked me good in the head :( I am waiting on this for further advice, while I nurse the gooseegg on my head!

-Tina