Trularin, yes I did, on the recommendation of Fred and several others. I had that squeek, came up through the roll bar, drove me crazy. When I took the old ones out I was horrified by what junk they are. The center ball could be rattled around, they were that loose. Car rides MUCH better now.
http://racerpartswholesale.com/ phone 800-397-7815
QA1 Rod ends
XMR10 .6250 5/8 - 18 R.H.
XML10 .6250 5/8 - 18 L.H.
As for the cooling problem, went to an overdrive water pump pulley (LS sold me an underdrive), removed the thermostat, went to straight water plus Water Wetter and now it won't go over 180.
Will you be at the LCS? Look forward to meeting you.