I ran into a similar situation when working on a project with tight installation constraints and exposure to moisture. What helped me was looking at solutions designed specifically with compact dimensions in mind. On the page
tubular linear actuators are presented as slim designs where the motor is integrated inside the tube. I found it useful that the specifications clearly show stroke ranges, force ratings, and voltage options in one place. Some models also include higher protection ratings, which can matter in environments where water or dust is present. This made it easier to evaluate whether the actuator would fit both physically and functionally. Having that clarity simplified my decision making. It felt more practical than adapting a larger actuator to a smaller space.