I finally got around to changing the parts today. Thanks again for the advice. One thing I noticed was that the new control rods didn't come with those rubber/foam seals that are supposed to keep dirt away from the ball link. I used the ones from the old rods, although they aren't that tight anymore. The ball links didn't seem to have worn at all though, so I guess it's not an issue.
The old pads had worn shapeless, and the rods were quite thin where the pads clamp around them. I'd say that the rods had gone through a few pair of pads in their lifetime. I think I will be cleaning the pads every now and then, and replace them at the first sight of wear... they're cheap, and rather easy to change, atleast compared to the control rods.
And what a difference in ride. I thought that the handling had been pretty impressive, but now it's really beyond belief.
