Can anyone tell me if 1996 Heritage struts  are identical to 2009 struts?

Think you'll find there nothing a like. Pre 06 or 07 there are frame horns, that is struts that are actually part of the frame. The later ones are bolt on struts. They may be set at the same width being a Heritage with the skinny rear tyre but they are still different.

All sorted Hudson76. I got the bolt ons so replacements on way.