A joint assembly comprises a rotational joint member configured to be connected to a first component. A housing is configured to be connected to a second component or ground and defining an inner cavity. A translating member is received in the inner cavity of the housing and connected to the rotational joint member for concurrent translation relative to the housing. One or more levels of balls in the inner cavity between a housing surface and a surface of the translating member to support the translation of the translating member in the housing. A motion simulator featuring one or more of the joint assemblies is also provided.