I've been also having the problem of the hatch not lifting high enough when I pull the lever from inside the car, so when I go around to the back, the hatch is loose, but still locked in. When I took off the carpeting from under the hatch, it popped alot easier because it was lighter. My struts are probably too weak, so hopefully this might fix that as well. I ordered them last night. Thanks again Crispy. -Nate