The key feature of our Bullet Proof Steering™ systems are the Rod Ends we use in our kits. These are NOT off the shelf ends! All of our very special & unique Bullet Proof Spherical Rods Ends™ are made from the highest quality materials and most exacting tolerances. The Teflon®/Carbon-Fiber matrix lined 3 piece bearing surface (arrow) is self lubricating, and our unique super-tight tolerances allow no debris in, therefore no grease is required, and are self sealing! We have 2 rod end versions available for your specific needs & expectations...

Our Bullet Proof Stage-I Special Duty™  "Gold Edition" Spherical Rods Ends (occasionally nicknamed "Heim" joints) are specially produced just for this application. In our tests, these Rod Ends stay tighter up to 20 times longer than some other rod ends being produced. The increased strength of our Rod Ends are obvious compared to the "other" shown. Superior strength is derived from a Rockwell 58 heat treated 52100 steel alloy hardened chrome ball and the special high tensile strength precision heat treated 4130 Chromemoly Steel alloy bearing. This results in a no maintenance, reliable and solid-feeling steering system. We have over 12 years of R&D in our Stage-I Special Duty™ Rod Ends alone, and their superior performance proves that.

To test just how unique our very special rod ends are, compare the bearing tightness of ours to any other rod end on the market and you will find that *none* even come close to the tightness of our Bullet Proof Rod Ends™ both new and after they have been in service for 5 years & more! 

"Twice as strong, Twice as tight, and stays tighter Twice as long… That's the Extreme Duty Advantage!
In order to achieve major improvements over our already nearly perfect Bullet Proof Stage-I Special Duty™ Spherical Rod End design was a challenge to say the least. After years of research and development, that goal was finally achieved. The new Stage-II Extreme Duty™ Spherical Rod End is incredibly stronger, significantly tighter, and stays tighter longer than even our revered Stage-I version!

First, the material for the Stage-II Extreme Duty™  "Platinum Edition" body is made from select 4130 Chromemoly Alloy Steel, increasing the strength capacity over 2-1/2 times of the Stage-I rod end's tensile strength to over 28,000 PSI. Extra strength and material has also been afforded to the webbing (above), the most vulnerable location on any rod end.

Then, since the tightness and precision fit of the bearing itself is an important part of the incredibly long lifetime longevity of the components we have been providing in our Bullet Proof Systems™, the Stage-II Extreme Duty™ design incorporates an even tighter fit and closer tolerances by utilizing a stainless steel bearing, denser Teflon® and Carbon Fibre insert lining (white arrow) while eliminating the need for additional external seals, gaskets, grease, oil, or any other kind of normal periodical maintenance. An all new external retainer bearing design encapsulates the rod end body from the outside to virtually completely eliminate any possibility of the bearing separating from the body (blue arrow).

The Stage-I machined version (yellow arrow) of the rod end body has been upgraded by a smooth  finished forging, further increasing overall strength and quality of the Stage-II option. The Stage-I's yellow zinc protective plating was also upgraded with a more durable and improved process with a bright silver finish. Even though this improvement does not directly affect the performance of the rod end itself, it does add to the total package in terms of increased longevity and overall durability. In our search for the ultimate product, no stone is left unturned, and we are continually upgrading at every chance we get.