Smoker, Cut the rod off flush at what appears to be flat washer welded on end of the tube to see what is behind there, maybe there is already a buhsing of some sort in there. I can't believe a washer on the end with the rod shaft going through that would have been strong enough to tay there and bust the rod end.
If you want a heavier duty rod shaft use a Cat 2 link and adapt it down with a cat 1 to cat 2 bushing.
Don't be afraid to try welding, it does not have to look pretty to hold. Follow Sound Guys advice with some 6011 and go for it. Worse you do is break it off again. :laughing: