B0d, that sounds like it would work, with the exception of possibly damaging the sleeve bearings with the heat from the welds.
Also another part of my goal is not just secruiring the joint but making it servicable too. Earlier Legacys and STis have bolts through both sides of these linkage assemblies such that you can service them under the car fairly easily.
My oem parts are now in in Mobile but I am not gonna be able to get them now until Friday, which sucks. My McMaster sleeve bearings got here Friday.
ss