wear items - OEM or aftermarket?

[disco]

Specifically, ball joints and tie rods.  I've replaced all four ball joints (RM ATV) on a Big Bear after one of them just completely separated.  All had torn boots and were lubed with lots of mud.  Last weekend I lost a tie rod end so now I'm going to replace all four of those.  What should I go with?  Bike Bandit has OEM for about $11 a pop.  RM is $27/pair.  Any other alternatives?  I'm thinking OEM and just replace them every few years.  I think Japan builds a better rod end than China.  IDK.  What's everybody else doing for stuff like that?

And Dennis Kirk?  Sheesh... you need a Sherpa to navigate that website.

Oh yeah, I need to post up a pic of my zip-tie tie-rod fix that allowed me to keep wheeling for a few more hours.  I used a cinch tie down strap to hold the tie rod together long enough to get back to the truck where I "fixed it" with zip ties.

[Krandall]

I don't think there's any reason to replace tie-rods every few years. replace em when they get bent, that's about the most you'd need.

[disco]

Sorry, tie rod end.  It completely separated *clink* and fell apart.