I had the back end lifted off the ground tonight taking some preload out of the front track shock and it seemed loose. I started looking into it and this is what I found! I never took the skid out of the sled this summer, so I have no idea how long it was like it...maybe since I bought it or maybe since I rode last weekend. Any idea how this could happen?

Arik

is something else bent or broke too? looks like the shock was rubbing on the track or something???

it may have gotton hit my something and once it get started a little oblong it keeps getting big and big as it mives around. if oyu need it fixed it can get a cap and get it back to you asap. sucky deal man. this usaully happens to ski shocks not track shocks.

All 3 04 skids I've dealt with have rubbing on the top of the shock. I'd guess that bearing was trashed and sloppy and the top was a little worn from the track....then you took a big hit and it split the metal

its the bottom that broke but easy these skid have wear on the top also.

I couldnt find any other broken parts, but I havnt had the skid out yet. It seemed really weird that this happened on the bottom part. I dont really see damage on the track where the shocks sits but it seems like the track must have had something to do with this. I dont think the skid should normally see tension forces that would do that.

If the rear of the skid compressed it'd pull on the shock like that.....BUT the limiters shouldnt allow it to come all the way out like that. Did you have the limiters off or set very loose?

I've seen this before. All front track shocks will have some scuffing from the track. I guess if the lower shock mount bushings got very sloppy for a while, then the lower eye could become worn thin to the point of weakening. I'm with squid though. Your front limiter strap was probably too loose which will permit the shock to top out on the rebound stroke. If you ride fast through the stutter bumps imagine the pounding that the shock took in that direction.

Anyway, it's an easy fix. The bottom cap is available through any good shock rebuilder. You'll be back in business quickly. Double check the bushings and make sure nothing is bent on the lower mount. When you reassemble, the limiter strap should hold a little preload on the shock so that it doesn't top out.