Solved it this morning Went to the LHS and had a look at another OS item, and it was the same, still tight.. and there is no company makes just the ball shank/link they all have the gold swivel ball already in.. so i picked up a Du-Bro 2/56 ball link kit, and pressed out the ball.. it fitted perfect and MUCH MUCH more smoother than the OS item.. Thank god for Du-Bro.