I've been reading post after post about the TRE flip on damn near everything. My freaking fingers and eyes hurt from hours spent searching. I want to do this on my 9" HP with D44 outers. Obviously, the tie rod ends are too big to fit side by side in the knuckle arm. As such, it seems that everyone is content with using the ES2234R/ES2233L combo. However, I see time and again that the ES2233L is bending or breaking because it is used in an incorrect application. Is this acceptable or is damage actually a rare occurence? Also, doesn't this make steering harder and twitchy having lost the leverage of the stock drag link mounting point? Why not consider using a 1980 Ford F-350 right inner tie rod? It has the required mounting hole close to the end. I must admit I haven't seen one so I don't know it's diameter. It could be close to the 7/8" of a GM TRE(?). You could cut off end just past the connection point for the drag link and thread it. While it doesn't make for a readily replaced part it might be more substantial from my humble perspective. Flame if you must.

The Ford Tie Rod end retails for $119.00 Kinda pricey for a Tie Rod End. I guess you could find a junked one for cheaper.

http://www.napaonline.com/masterpages/NOLMaster.aspx?PageId=470&LineCode=NCP&PartNumber=2724118&Description=Tie+Rod+End+-+Inner

I don't dispute the high cost but it is purpose built unlike the GM piece. What I'm also looking for is someone to justify the typical way of doing this conversion outside of the cost factor.

not exactly what you're looking for but for $119 why not buy 2 high quality heims (one to use and one for a spare)