question on replacing hatch lift struts

[83ROTRY]

Recently bought an 83, excellent condition, just needs a couple small items. First up, rear hatch lift struts. Bought a replacement generic set, claims to be compatible. Removed the old strut (driver's side) by pulling pin on glass end and then unscrewing from ball/socket on car end. Replacement strut threaded bolt is smaller than OEM, but comes with an adapter. However, while this adapter appears to be same size/pitch as OEM strut, it doesn't screw into the ball/socket. Some questions I have on this..
1) Maybe threads are messed up on ball/socket? If so, will using a tap clear them? But hate to mess them up if they aren't actually the problem
2) Maybe the adapter is wrong? Does anyone know of any OEM struts, or if not, are OEM-like enough that no adapter is needed?
3) The passenger strut is a whole nuther story. Has wires for RR defog and RR wiper. Does the strut just Remove/Replace?
Has anybody replaced these struts on 1st Gens? Thanks for any help!