There are rod ends that are rated for thrust loading, so if you use one of those and keep within the rated loading, it should be fine. Otherwise, it's not a good way to use a rod end, although you do see it done.
You can eliminate the binding by using a small diameter spacer and providing safety by cupping a fender washer to keep the heim joint from completely separating from the rod. This was the same method used on UH-1B model Hueys tail rotor pitch change links back in the late 60s.
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