Steering Rack Inner Tie Rods

[Cropper]

Hi all, has anybody considered using a different tie rod rather than putting extensions on the standard MK2 Escort ones?
I know all the new ones are complete with a screw in joint, to the rack, but if the joint was removed you should be left with a longer inner tie bar. I am not sure the actual dimension of the ball on the newer joints, I am looking for an old one or a cheap new one to try. the rod may need shortening and a suitable thread, to suit your own setup, but I think the finished rod with no unsightly extensions would look pretty good. You can get new ford transit rods for about £7 on ebay, these should be long enough.

What do you think?

Neil