This style rod end was used for many, many years in many, many different applications. As long as they were kept lubricated and adjusted they were just fine. I've never heard of a problem with them other than when they were worn out.
I’m sure that the major reason for the change or upgrade to the new design was that it needed much less maintenance and is much easier to service or change when it did need replacement.
I can’t see how either design would have any bearing on handling with the roads of today or today’s tire designs. It’s my feeling that this falls into the same category as the urban myth that roller wheel bearings make the AD truck handle better than ball bearings in the front hubs on today’s roads and with modern radial tires.
Both those arguments seem illogical to me and I would have to see some pretty solid research that shows a difference in handling to convince me. Now upgrading to an IFS, now that will make a huge difference. Driving an Advance Design truck with stock suspension at 70mph is not for the feint of heart.
Anyway, I feel maintenance is the key word in operating any of these vintage trucks.
These vehicles need lubrication and service on a regular schedule as called out in their service manuals. Every time I drive mine or fill it up with gas I pop the hood and it's in every 1,000 miles for service and adjustments.
There is no comparing them to the new cars, which under normal conditions can be driven for 10,000 miles before your have to open the hood and even then usually don't need much more than oil and filter changed. The last four new cars that we've owned all went well over 150,000 miles without plugs being changed and every time I pulled them they looked as good as new. They never needed anything else other than the regular oil changes and tires and brakes replaced at 50 or 60k.
We’ve come a long way but the old way was fine if you follow the rules.
Denny Graham
Sandwich, IL
