basically what opt says is true. there has to be a weak link to prevent more costly damage else where. I've always bought new oem ones to have replacements for best results.

 

OPT - one more question for you.

I bought what looks to be a mint LH a-arm on Ebay. Technically it is used and I will carefully look it before installing per you advice against used parts.

However, it is for a 2007 Sportsman 800 (PN: 2202865). It has a different part number but it looks identical. What's the chance it will work?

My research shows that PN's 2202906 (LH) and 2202907 (RH) are interchangeable for the following ATV's:
2005 400/500
2006 450/500
2007 450/500
2008 500
2009 500
2010 500
2011 400/500/800 and Hawkeye 400
2012 400/500/800 and Hawkeye 400
2013 400/500/800 and Hawkeye 400
2014 400/570/570 Touring/ACE/800 and Hawkeye 400

 

as long as the part no#s' on the Polaris site say they are interchangeable you should be fine. some times they are a smaller, less beefy arm vs another year. the other thing to look for is the length is the same as yours.

 

Usage : 2202865

Year Product Model Assembly
2010 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI SUSPENSION, A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A10MH76AJ/MN76AX/AZ
2010 MIL MILITARY SPORTSMAN 700 SUSPENSION, FRONT - M10MH68MA/MV
2009 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 HO EFI SUSPENSION, A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A09MN76AX/AZ
2008 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI SCANDINAVIAN SUSPENSION, A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A08MH76SS/SF
2008 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 HO EFI SUSPENSION, A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A08MN76AF/AL/AQ/AR/AS/AT/AX
2008 MIL SPORTSMAN 800 HO EFI MILITARY SUSPENSION, A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - M08MH76MA/MB
2007 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 EFI SUSPENSION, FRONT - A07MH68AX/AY/AZ
2007 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI SUSPENSION, FRONT - A07MH76AL/AQ/AX/AY/AZ/A2/MN76AF/AT/AY
2007 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI INTL SUSPENSION, FRONT - A07MH76FA
2007 MIL SPORTSMAN 700 MV SUSPENSION, FRONT - A07MH68MA/ME
2006 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A06MH76AL/AQ/AT/AX/AY/AZ
2006 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 A-ARM/STRUT MOUNTING - A06MH68AA/AD/AF
2006 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 EFI A-ARM/STRUT MOUNTING - A06MH68AQ/AT/AX/AY/AZ
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 600 A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH59AK/AN
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 EFI A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH68AC/AS/AT/AU/AW
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 800 EFI A-ARM and STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH76AC/AT/AU/AW
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN MV7 A-ARM MOUNTING and STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH68AP
2005 ATV SPORTSMAN 700 A-ARM/STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH68AK/AN/AD
2005 MIL SPORTSMAN MV 7 SUSPENSION, A-ARM MOUNTING and STRUT MOUNTING - A05MH68MB
Even though it doesn't cross over directly to your model,might fit as it shows to use the same a-arm shaft and bushing part numbers. Sometimes part numbers are different for the simple reason the plastic mud flaps/mounting plate may be different. Just my on this.If the part number doesn't include YOUR model,get the right one that does then you won't have any doubt!