We used to always hook in on the side on Maxi Paws along driveways and roads. They were more resistant to breaking swing els when driven over by cars. If you can replace the guts go that route. I am assuming that your connection is on a green or black riser pipe. I would recommend switching to a swing pipe connection.
http://rainbird.com/documents/turf/SwingPipeInstallationTips.pdf It recommends not using a torch to make connections but it makes it a lot easier to put the barbs in the pipe and we never had trouble with it as long as you don't heat it too long.