All of your responses were exactly what I was looking for, thanks so much.

I think Ive heard of people getting shocks replaced by progressive years after purchasing with no receipt. I wonder what they'll think about the eyelets coming clean off.

I am a little concerned why they did that in the first place but cant see why my bike would cause such a thing to happen. All I can imagine is the shocks somehow "froze up" from never being installed, sitting in a box for ten years.

 

The more I research Im seeing that this shock is not supposed to fit on my Harley (1999 road king). its the 13" 440. It bolted onto my bike just fine but maybe 13" is too big, and maybe why it broke?

Progressive Suspension 440 Seris I.A.S Shocks 13" chrome (440-4213c). Online searches say these are for a Honda or Kawi. Ill be giving progressive a call in the morning.

 

The stock Harley touring shocks are nominally 13" long (actually a little less), so the length of your 440s shouldn't be an issue IMHO. A possibility is that there should have been some spacers and without them the eyelets were put under some strain, but that is a guess. Progressive is an HDF sponsor and get good reviews for their service, so it is well worth contacting them.