A common mistake is to refer to "spherical
Rod Ends" as "
Ball Joints." The best way to tell a ball joint from a spherical rod end is that the head of the ball joint stud is never visible in the assembly. The other distinguishing factor is that all spherical rod ends have a spherical ball which may or may not be fitted with a rod end stud.
Ball Joints are typically lighter duty compared to a spherical rod end. Even so, in some styles and configurations, ball joints can withstand 1500 and even 1700 pound loads.
