Cusco Tension Rod Replacement Rod End

[barrett]

I recently purchased a pair of used Cusco Tension Rods for cheap with the rod end bearings trashed and was looking for suggestions on a economical replacement.

The original rod ends are manufactured by NMB (Minebea) and are a 3 piece, self lubricating (teflon lined) 18mm rod end with part number HRT18 ($150 a piece if you can find them).

Unfortunately they are expensive and replacements are very hard to find, thus the reason for an economical replacement.

The reason I'm having trouble finding a suitable replacement is because they have an 18mm bore, 20mm width, and 46mm thread length

http://www.eminebea.com/content/html/en/rodend_list/images/Fig_HRT-E_E.jpg

Most all replacements rod ends that are 18mm (hard enough to find) have a 23mm width and with the included high misalignment spacers this would make it impossible to install.

http://img860.imageshack.us/img860/1255/cuscorodend.jpg

So what are my best options for an economical solution?

Also note this is a daily driven car with hopes of Autocross in the future.

Should I...

Just go ahead and buy the NMB rod end because its too much work?

OR

Buy replacement rod end from mid west control (ex. DXTM series)

AND

Find replacement high misalignment spacers so with a 23mm width rod end it would make a total length of 70mm (In order to fit correctly)? OR
Machine down each of the current high misalignment spacers by 1.5mm to fit bearings with a 23mm bore (If so what side should be machined)?

OR

Something else?

Sorry I'm completely new at this but I've tried searching and haven't come up with this particular problem.

Any help would be greatly appreciated! :)

[djsilver]

I would buy the Midwest (or similar) quality replacement piece. You don't want it to turn out like this car; http://www.nissanroadracing.com/showthread.php?t=3202


When you get them, assemble them with the spacers and take a measurement. Have the extra machined off the spacers. I don't think it matters which one, as long as you make the sides of the car symmetrical.

[logr]

Coleman Racing 3/4" rod ends with 3/4-1/2 reducers and 3/4" tube ends

[ZorRtwice]

You don't want it to turn out like this car; http://www.nissanroadracing.com/showthread.php?t=3202




That scares the **** out of me O.O

[Air]

just buy the one thats 23mm wide and grind down your misalignment spacers. Or make/buy some new ones. they are cheap