try to envision the pivot points and the length of both parts of the strut. longer struts have no place to go except bent or break the mounts . just my 2 cents
maybe back the car up onto blocks when you need the extra head room. lol
Yeah, I finally got off my lazy ass and inspected the hinges. They're nothing like my Excursion and appear to have tabs that would prevent the hatch from opening any further. Guess I'll just replace the worn out struts and learn to duck!