For the tubular a-arms, is there a noticable difference in the ride quality and noise between the two? I know that the rod ends don't bind as much, but I don't know if that is worth the extra $100 and the road noise.

 

Rod ends don't last very long. From constant use, they'll become worn and sloppy. A street car should consider changing rod ends every few years. Poly or rubber bushings should last the life of the car.

 

I hadn't thought about that. My panhard bar has the rod end on one end and I think it is starting to get sloppy. Doesn't feel the same as it used to. I may have to replace it.

 

ANY advantage in using rod ends rather than bushings ?

 

Advantage? An almost solid suspension component. Won't compress or flex like rubber or poly bushings. You shouldn't need rod end suspension components unless you have a full race vehicle.

My ladder bars have rod ends. My panhard bar has rod ends. My front tubular a-arms have poly bushings.

 

I think I will get the bushings on the rest of the stuff, except for the LCAs. They move alot. If I were going to only race the car, I would use the rod ends, but driving it wears out the rod ends and I don't want to have to spend the money every year to buy new ones.

 

Although I have no facts, good rod ends on a daily driver should last about 5 years before needing replacement. I guess it all depends on how much mileage the car sees and how much abuse it gets. Basically, you replace them when they get worn just like any other suspension component so it's just something else that needs to be checked at least on an annual basis.

At least a rubber or poly bushing will last a long time.