I can't see your pics here at "work", but from your description you have it right. The tie rods that Indy4x came up with for the HD tie rod system are for an old Ford pickup, and while the taper is correct they are too long without the spacer.

Not sure what you mean by "large rubber bushings" though. Are you referring to the dust boot? If so, it just kind of squishes down over the top of the joint to keep dirt out of the joint.