Did you ever get an answer that worked? The original 2000 hatch struts do not have clips to remove struts from the ball.
I have the same question/situation with my '99. The ball socket has no clip I could see and doesn't want to separate from the ball. Struts are fine but I need to replace gaskets on the glass- taking apart this junction seems the most logical way. Honda parts diagram shows the ball/socket as part of the strut so maybe it doesn't come apart without damage or the ability to reinstall??? Think I need to replace struts just to replace the window gaskets?My original hatch supports are still working fine at 22 years/226,000 miles. if I have to replace them, I'm not going to touch an aftermarket part because I would not expect them to last another 200,000 mi. Spending for the OE part is worth not having to replace them again to me.
I never thought to bring a drill to a yard. Thanks!dont forget to take your drill battery and a couple jumper wires to “pop” the rear window