Read thru your thread. I like your progress.
Here is another source for Rod Ends. I have had good luck with them in the past. One of my orders got pushed out and they called me and I ended up getting an upgraded rod end for the same price since it was a manufacturing mistake that my order got pushed out. Seem to be good people.
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/
Here is a sample Chrome Moly, Nylon Race, 3/4-16 stem, 5/8 hole in the ball:
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/part.php?id=2036
good pricing at a Qty of 10 at $12.74 each