The doo riders that I ride with carry this in there packs. Very considerate of the riders behind them. Also stops the itch, so they can keep both hands on the bars (while they're riding the trails).
Sounds like if your shaft fails, and you have it replaced under warranty, your going to get the exact same shaft...Hmmm. Looks like the shaft clamps that a few are manufacturing are probably the way to go. Clamps may mean the difference between towing/choppering your sled out, and then dealing...
Rear scissor relocate brackets, like bnorth said. Stiffened the a$$ end of my sled a Lot. It did however lower the rear a bit. I put on drop brackets to bring it back up.
Couldn't you just keep all the stock parts, and if something went wrong, put em back on before taking it in? Say, like a head or something? Dishonest I know, but...
I'd bet all the updates have been done. Call any dealer, and give em the vin #, and they'll tell ya if they've been done. No, you shouldn't have to pay anything, if they haven't.
Best thing I ever did for my 08 is the rear suspension upgrade from xtreme air vents. It's pretty much a must have. It helps the sled lay over 10 times easier. Also, cutting the float plate out from under the A-arms (like the newer xp's), helps a lot. If it has a legit 300 miles on it, I'd buy...
It is a way for the manufacturer to quickly see if everything has been done properly (Haha)
If that's the case, I wish I could find some on my drive shaft.