The Four Wheeler Network forum has a posting on this subject:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/131-1306-steering-you-straight-heim-joints-vs-tie-rod-ends/Those 4 wheeling guys really abuse their equipment. The posting has a lot of details and photos and includes information on really beefy parts like the ones that would be used on a heavy duty truck and its bottom line comparing factory tie rod ends and spherical joints is:
"Our research concluded that if you want to do the least amount of maintenance, stick with tie-rod ends. If you want maximum strength and parts that are easy to swap on the trail, quality Teflon-lined Heim joints might be a better choice for you."
This is yet another example of how different people can get different results from the same product.
