Depends on the grade of stainless they are made from. Most likely the mild steel ones are not any type of high strength ones and so the stainless is going to be similar. But to be sure the type of stainless steel will tell for sure, PM me with any specifics. I am the HAMB metallurgist, but don't always get to follow up since it is so busy on here now.
If you don't believe gimpy, let me repeat, Anti-seize is your friend. As for strength, I don't know of a stainless alloy that does not have a tensile strength higher than that of mild steel. 304 stainless is about 20% higher tensile strength than mild steel.
There are 4130 rod ends out there that are less expensive than SS and are much stronger than MS , Check with some sprint car shops as they use plenty of the CM units (along with alu) that are a 1/2" ball but with a 5/8 shank
Go to the McMaster-Carr web site and look under "rod ends'. When you decide on which one you need to use, you can then get more info if you log onto the part no. For example a 5/8" stainless has a spherical load of 5870 and a steel 5/8" is 6869. A lot of info is on there website. They have hundreds to choose from.
I'd bet you'd be happier w/the 4130. SS is a crevice and pit corroder, it fails in corrosive evirons, unexpectedly! I'd use even a good mild-steel, quality made one, over SS.
I've use this and am very happy; from Art Morrison 37cbushedrodends.gif Bushed Rod Ends For street applications where ride comfort is a consideration, use these polyurethane-bushed 17-4 alloy stainless steel ends. They are available with right hand and left hand threads featuring a 5/8" bore and a 3/4" shank. Prices are from $30.00-$35.00. Choose from one of the following options: Prices: (A) 5/8" x 3/4" Stainless Poly Rod End RH $30.00 (B) 5/8" x 3/4" Stainless Poly Rod End LH $30.00 (C) 1/2" x 5/8" Stainless Poly Rod End RH only $35.00 "Cheaper" My kids and wife ride in my cars. Give up beer and cigarettes for a week. Pat
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