Repairs 1991 ZTR428 Rod end adjustments, no old parts available

Hi folks, looks like my 25 year old ZTR428 is needing some replacement parts, the rod ends that attach to the two handles are showing a lot of play. The Dixon parts pic shows a different style altogether, but am having a very difficult time removing the old rod ends as the rod end looks to be peened to the nut to prevent backoff and adjustment issues, anyone dealt with this before. Many thanks from NC-USA

Is this the part you are replacing? If you can get us a picture it would help a lot.

Bolt circled in red you do not need so if you can not take it off then cut it off. You will need a new bolt and nut for the new part.
Nut I circled in blue is called a jam nut. It it tightened up against the part needing removed. Turn it like you are tightening it. So from the picture angle turn it clockwise. It goes away from the part being replaced. Once loosened you should be able to unscrew the part being replaced it from the rod.

They are not reverse thread but just work backwards.