Fractured convertible ram shackle!

[Geff McCarthy]

After finally installing the new ram to replace the leading one - ok, 62y old - and a replacement motor, i ran the top up and down twice. Holding the switch on to the final lowering position, I heard a snap. This is the result: Note the bent lower end of the shackle, indicating severe stress. I have ordered a replacement from Hyddro-E lectric. Any ideas to avoid a repeat??

 

[1 Wild R/T]

Lube every moving joint on the top and let the lube soak for a few days.. With both rams disconnected get a second person to help and manually raise & lower the top a few times..
For that to break something was binding..

 

[Geff McCarthy]

Thanks. I had lubed it a while ago, but will again. Actually it was straining to lower the last bit, about 1' of ram travel.