Slight 'kink' is right DMiller. We recollected that when we bought the machine and were raising the arms to the max height that it made a shudder noise but it was hard to tell where it was coming from and if it was binding. The lift has always had plenty of power. But, ten years later and the mystery is solved.
Welder Dave, the rod definitely needs polishing. It's scuffed pretty bad where in the bend. We're hoping the gland is ok. We couldn't slide the gland up past the bend. I'll post some pics with it on a level.
Willie, I used to see 175s around a lot, but it seems I don't see many around anymore like I used to. Maybe they're tucked away somewhere. Who knows. We've talked about selling this one, but can't bring ourselves to do it.
We called around to about three hydraulic shops in the area and priced having a new rod made. Prices ranged from $300 up to $750. We went with a place in Iron City, TN. He said he'd do it for $300 or $400. Dad dropped it off at his shop yesterday. Probably have it back in a week. He didn't have any 2.5" rod on hand.
Here's a few 'kinky' pics. Some of the scuffs are pretty evident on the outer edges of the bow. They'll grab a fingernail for sure.