This paper presents a novel cross-layer design for joint power and end-to-end rate control optimization in DS-CDMA wireless networks, along with a detailed implementation and evaluation in the network simulator ns-2. Starting with a network utility maximization formulation of the problem, we derive distributed power control, transport rate and queue management schemes that jointly achieve the optimal network operation. Our solution has several attractive features compared to alternatives: it adheres to the natural time-scale separation between rapid power control updates and slower end-to-end rate adjustments, and uses simplified power control mechanisms with reduced signalling requirements. We argue that these features are critical for a successful real-world implementation. To validate these claims, we present a detailed implementation of a cross-layer adapted networking stack for DS-CSMA ad-hoc networks in ns-2. We describe several critical issues that arise in the implementation, but are typically neglected in the theoretical protocol design, and evaluate the alternatives in extensive simulations.