RE: Something Extra Hardware
What I do to combat this is use 2/56 threaded rod (allthread). I thread a piece with my drill into the front and rear of the inner rod. I thread enough so that it will go all the way inside the plane. I hook the clevises up to the ends sticking out. Really stiffens them up.
BTW I understand what you are saying I throw the push rods out on SIG kits myself. I only use Sullivan Golden Rods. I do sometimes use the SIG ones for a throttle hook up. They flex nice around obsticles. Good luck with your project.
Mark Shuman