I, many replies ago, addressed what seemed to be the reason for rod ends as a lower LCA cross brace connection.. Mainly there is no "real estate" available in the existing area to weld (which would be a horrible very unfriendly user solution) or bolt a multi axis robust restraint bracket to terminate this crossmember. Adjustability is solvable other ways. A swivel joint is indeed easy way to connect but only allows restraint in one direction, but still an improvement over no connection/brace.
Monte Carlo braces are greatly handicapped with swivel connections in effectiveness, especially when braces are not straight.
This help?
