^^^^^I've replaced it twice now; once every 10 years. Once it broke in my driveway, the other when my son had the rig about 10 miles away. If someone else drives the rig, proactively changing a 10+ year old rod, in the comfort of your garage/driveway, on your own schedule, is worth considering.
This is sage advice and something I'm guilty of having not done yet, despite having the part.