Welp, the conical screw turned out not to be the issue. The issue is a missing bushing on the side (if that's what it is) Here is a pic:
I'm assuming that just replacing the whole rod coupler is the way to go. Is this a common problem? Is there an updated fix over OEM? Granted, it can't be too bad of a part b/c it lasted this long, but if there's an updated fix, I'd rather go that way.
Thanks again guys!!
