Well I'll have to call
Surplus center (I know i bookmarked their number from somebody's previous post here maybe it was you).
I can easily add a clevis where needed. The chief cylinders where 10.25" + stroke for retracted center to center, so an 8" was a whopping 18.25"
Romour has it that the pro E software cost about $30K per person. Not sure if it is really that much, but it is quite expensive. Just looked up one option "flexible design II total was $25K. We've got more of the modules.
They have a "light" version called prodesktop that is $1,500 <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.ptc.com>Parametric Technologies</A>
I haven't ever shopped for home use software, but they did give us a student version for free at one of the training sessions. Needs a good amount of Horse power to run.
If you decide you want to buy one, I'd be happy to offer opinions on any affordable packages you come accross.
Only 1" so far, but still coming down. The storm passed south of us. My parents are near the cape and have 4" so far.
Due to the cold weather this week, the local ski mountain (next town over) is supposed to open this weekend. Usually they are happy if they get open for x-mas. Might have to take a day off from the home renovations to get some turns in.