[Chris Burkard]

You don't need to turn a gear to open them if they are in sync. Just lift all the way to the stop and set down. Then lift all the way to the stop and gently lower all the way down. They get out of sync if you lift one side with more pressure than the other. Then they get out of whack and cause issues.

The problem with gas struts is you are going to have to make perfect measurements for the proper angles and get just the right pressure struts in order for them to work properly. Unless you are extremely mechanically inclined, I would not bother or your are going to wish you had never tackled the problem.

The original stainless mechanical latches work great if you keep them straight and lubricated and open and close the hatch evenly with even pressure.

Good Luck.