Tailgate strut query (B5.5 2004 MY)

[pelikan]

any help/thoughts would be much appreciated.
I recently purchased 2-off Stabilus 7628LW as a replacement for the tailgate gas struts on my 2004 B5.5 Passat Estate (OEM p/n VW OE-1J6 827 550 E).
I have been able to fit one strut successfully, but have now discovered the original struts appear to be ‘handed’ – that is to say, the LH side is a mirror of the RH side, and I am unable to fit the second strut.
Any thoughts on how the struts can be altered to allow fitting either side.
If not, any ideas on the correct individual part numbers for the left and right hand side respectively?
thanks in advance.

[ianhayter]

rear lid; lid lock Passat/4Motion/Santana (PA) 2004 year Volkswagen EUROPA 827020

This suggests it's the same for both sides.

[caldirun]

The ball joints are handed, the struts are not, swap the existing balljoints onto the new struts, its simply a matter of pulling the clip down and pulling the ball out

[pelikan]

Turns out it was user error... The connector does swivel but unless one end is fixed to the car, it isn't something you can do just with your bare hands. Thank you to my car-knowledgeable neighbour for that!