13-04-2020, 09:27 AM
Regarding the original question, I don't know of any Rose Joint (rod ends if we're being pedantic) "off the peg" alternatives. Wouldn't be a feat of engineering to produce a drag link with threaded bushes to accept rod ends. it would be necessary to drill out the taper bores in the steering arm and Pitman arm and then to press in a steel "top hat" bush to take a 3/8" rod end. You can just see this on the track rod on my special.
![[Image: 49165876131_9a917fbfcd_z.jpg]](https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49165876131_9a917fbfcd_z.jpg)
Regarding longevity (or otherwise) I fitted this track rod over 30 years ago, The radius arm ball joint at the chassis end was replaced with a 1/2" rod end at the same time. They had both developed a bit of play and needed changing out about 5 years ago. Their replacements are still going strong. My special isn't a daily driver but it does do a far bit of road mileage. Rod end quality, longevity (and prices) vary hugely, The ones I use have a Kevlar based interliner and a stainless ball.
Regarding longevity (or otherwise) I fitted this track rod over 30 years ago, The radius arm ball joint at the chassis end was replaced with a 1/2" rod end at the same time. They had both developed a bit of play and needed changing out about 5 years ago. Their replacements are still going strong. My special isn't a daily driver but it does do a far bit of road mileage. Rod end quality, longevity (and prices) vary hugely, The ones I use have a Kevlar based interliner and a stainless ball.