Ok, after looking at the pictures in the thread you posted I agree that it is indeed the Top Flite 182. I still don't know the answer to the wing strut question. As I said, the manual isn't clear on it. I'm going to send a PM to Bax, who is Hobbico's rep here on RCU, and hopefully he can find the answer. But I would also recommend simply calling Hobbico/Top Flite and ask them. Hobbico has some of the best customer support in the industry and I'm sure they will be able to answer your question.
Ken