Tie Rod &Drag Link Armoring

I'm a cheapskate when it comes to things I know I can do on my own.  My next project was armoring my tie rod and drag link.  I decided on the armoring route versus buying new HD ones as I believe both are just as strong, yet I only spent $10 on materials to armor versus $200 to buy HD ones.

I used thick wall 1" standard pipe. It slides neatly over the stock rods with about 1/16" gap all around. This entire project was as simple as removing the rods, sliding the pipe over, then welding the pipe at the ends.  The welding is really optional, as you could simply just slide the pipe over the rods and let it spin freely.  This might actually be a better option as the spinning pipe could "roll" over the rocks.

The 1" Std pipe on the left, and the stock tie rod on the right.	The pipe slides neatly over the tie rod with about 1/16" all around.
I cut the pipe about 1/4" shorter than the notches in the stock tie rod.	My tie rod was slightly bent, so I used a screwdriver to center the rod in the pipe.
Welded with tie rod ends installed and ready for paint!	And installed, ready for the rocks.