Just to get things back to an apples-to-apples comparison: An earlier post pointed out the similarity between QA1 and Aurora XM bearings. The QA1 XM is a 2-piece bearing with an injection molded Kevlar reinforced nylon race (5/8 inch size is 17,955 lb-rated). The Aurora XM, one of their cheapest, lightest duty rod ends, is a plain, carbon steel-bodied unit with an alloy steel race (16,565 lb rated). The Aurora XAM (next step up with an alloy steel body) is rated at 40,572 lbs. If you have ever broken a rod end on a suspension link under load, then you know how important quality parts can be. There are several good bearing manufacturers out there and most of them sell various grades of their product. You get what you pay for, and suspension parts are not good areas to try to save a few bucks, especially if you are going to really "use" the car. My 2 cents worth.
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