A swashplate apparatus is provided and includes a first swashplate including outer and inner bodies and an intermediate portion defining a major groove between the outer and inner bodies, a second swashplate disposable in the major groove to be rotatable relative to the first swashplate, the second swashplate including an interior facing surface radially separated from the inner body to define a minor groove and defining a recess in which the rod end is disposable, a connector disposable in the recess to pivotably couple the rod end to the second swashplate and a plate element disposable in the minor groove and affixable to the interior facing surface of the second swashplate and the connector.