What do you call this part?

[LarryW]

McMaster-Carr

Fully Threaded Solid Rod Ends
I think this is what you would want. It would probaby add up on price though.

[thebuggyman1]

H-Mike: What was the end result on this old thread? Did you find something readily available at a "cheap" price? Did you make them? And...what did you use for springs?