RE: Question on securing aging permanent treestand
I've found on my older permanent stands that the tree, as it grows, will pull nails or screws right thru the wooden stand. I've had to re-nail the older ones several times as the tree "absorbs" the old nails.
At the very least, I would replace the lag bolts as they may be rusted or underconsiderable stress. If you find that the growing tree is actually pulling the screw thru the 4X4, I would replace that also.