The load on that cylinder is supposed to always be in compression, that's why it pivots on both ends. Something happened to put a shear load on the shaft, maybe the upper bushing seized. Glad the motor wasn't damaged.
Both pivots were free... it came down.. fairly slowly
thats why things didnt get all busted up
EDIT
The only thing I can think of now is that the cyl was
extended farther than I normally go... when it gets to
a certain point I start to level the engine out so it
will clear the front end.. my buddy wanted to keep going
up... but when the cyl is a long way out it is weaker(greater
area to bend in).. so MAYBE all along I was right at the max
lifting point... just a guess
