tie rod ends

[Aussie]

G'day all
I have a 72 K20 (leaf spring front end), when I bought 2 yrs ago the upper and lower ball joints and inner and outer tie rod ends were shot. The tie rod ends were actually worn where they screw into the tie rod.
I replaced all these 12 mths ago and got new tyres shortly afterwards
I went out to rotate the tyres this morning and I noticed that the drivers side tie rod end is worn again where it threads into the steering rod. From what I can gather this means that the female thread in the tie rod must be worn.
Does this sound right?
What could have caused this?
Can I take this to a fabrication shop and have a new end machined on ?
I live in Australia so the freight on tie rod ends is bad enough without trying to send a 5 or 6 foot tie rod as well if I need a whole new rod.
Any and all comments appreciated.
Aussie.


[This message has been edited by Aussie (edited 03-28-2001).]