How about pull-pull wires? SA sells a bell crank that I've used before. I had a similar problem on a Wing P-38 nose gear. Even with the short linkage it would bind on the stearing post. I fixed that with alignment fine tuning. I dont suppose thats possible in your case. I would be leary of any kind of lub since that is a dirty kind of environment. Fishing weights could lead the pull-pull wires to the tail section. I use 40lb plastic coated steel fishing leader wire.
Edwin