I'm putting longer lift support gas struts on it, so it will open a lot higher, so I do not hit my forehead on the side of the gate anymore. My neck cannot take the abuse. Usually I remember, but about once every couple of months when I'm in a hurry I step off the curb beside the back of the vehicle and boom, slam my forehead. My neck is in serious dander of serious damage.
I got struts that open 2.16 inch more than original length, and can still close to the original size, from Lift
Support Depo.
But the top lip of the hatch would hit the outside top of the roof if I put them on. So I'm having a body shop roll back the upper lip to remove it.
It's off the vehicle now and painted. Going back on tomorrow, with the new struts that open to 26 inches.
Since they attach close to the hinge, and the bottom of the hatch is far from the hinge, the bottom will end up a lot higher when opened all the way. Yay, no more boom, and even much less bending over when loading or unloading which will be welcome for my bad back. A double win.
