A connecting rod (24) has a modified end adapted to ensure that a lubricant film of sufficient thickness exists in an end bearing thereof when the connecting rod is placed in both tension and compression. The connecting rod includes an elongated body portion or shaft (40), a big end (42) defining a first coupling bore (44) at a first longitudinal end of the body portion (40), and a small end (46) defining a second coupling bore (48) at a second longitudinal end of the body portion (40). The small end (46) and the big end (42) each have a proximal side (50,52) nearest the shaft (40) and a distal side (54,56) furthest from the shaft (40). An opening (100) is formed in the shaft (40) adjacent the proximal side (52) for adjusting a stiffness of the proximal side (52).