I have done both. Off the pedals I use 1/2 rod with yolks on each end with 3/8 pins. Then down below I use 3/8 rod and yolks again. I haven't used heims that much but should work too.
On the z-bar I changed both levers to change the ratio and for clearance. With the solid rods I could just put slight bends in them to get nice straight zero play push. Plus it allows for multiple adjustment sites for TO bearing clearance pending how much gap you need.
Good luck