2002 Kodiak front shockers

The front shocks on my Kodiak have seen better days, I have been looking for some replacements with no success.
Why have Yamaha changed shockers on different models, there seems to be plenty available for pre 2000 and post 2003 models but none for mine, any suggestions? What have others used.
Greg on his Kodiak 450 suspension thread mentioned the 14 1/4" Fox shocks off of a Polaris ZRT600 snowmobile for his Kodiak, these are shorter than mine but maybe I can use these and a lift kit, what do others think?
The rebound on mine seems to be very stiff and the bottom eye rubbers are gone, I have to use the softest setting for a comfortable ride, gets pretty hard on the arms on a rough ride.

Wayne from Oz.