Good to hear that Bob and all is "evidence" to plead my case for the cheaper options, provided they do the job.

Have tried all suggested options and I may be able to buy a pair of the ball bearing MS21152-3 rod ends via Atlanta Air Exchange ( listed in https://www.controller.com/parts/air...tNum=MS21152-3 - see Matthew's post above ). They have quoted me $30 each (?) for new surplus, but I'm awaiting confirmation and postage to the UK, which could be a problem. Another reply from the same listing quoted me $600 for a pair(??) and I'm hoping the lady at Atlanta hasn't missed a zero off the end of her quoted price!

I'm extremely grateful for all your suggestions and will post the eventual outcome, in the unlikely event anyone else has the same problem in future.

Thanks again.

Ian