The tech I spoke with said they had never had a situation like mine. Of course, I doubt he would have told me it was common.

Anyway, my issue seems to be in the threading of the rod itself, so I'd definitely recommend checking that.

Update, it took a while, I had to pay shipping both ways since I could not produce a customer # or receipt. They checked my parts and decided they were defective and will replace them. Cost me 60 or so bucks in shipping charges though.

Lesson learned, keep those receipts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Other lesson learned; Don't ever assume the new parts you buy are perfect. Check them out thoroughly prior to installing. It would have been very easy to disassemble the rods and check the condition of the threads, it just never occured to me.

I still have a little heartburn over the shipping charges.

The rods came from Vette Brakes.