Sterling 10.5 axle
The Sterling 10.5 axle is an automotive axle manufactured by Ford Motor Company at the Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, MI. It was first used in model year 1985 Ford trucks. The axle was developed to replace the Dana 60 and Dana 70. The Sterling 10.5 axle is currently only made as a full floating axle.
General Specifications
- Ring gear measures 10.5".
- 35 Spline axle shafts with a 1.5" diameter
- Ratios 3.08 to 4.30. Current production ratios offered are 3.31, 3.55, 3.73, and 4.30.
- Since ca. 2005, the gears are formed by the face hob process, formerly face milled process.
10.25
Originally the axle was made with a ring gear that measured 10.25" until it was upgraded 1999 to the 10.50 for the Ford Super Duty trucks. This axle came with drum brakes. The first version was made 1985 to 1992. A second revision included a stronger pinion/yoke design and was made 1993-1997. This corrected a known, but rare, issue of the pinion yoke nut working loose.
The 10.25 is still made. It appears the same as the 10.5 externally, except it uses a one piece differential case with 2 pinion gears.
10.25 Semi-float
The semi float variation is less common and was used in F-250 trucks with a lower GVWR (7200) This stopped in 1993 model year trucks until the generation change. The 10th generation Ford F-150 offered this axle in the light duty F-250 trucks from 1997-1999. For model year 2000 - 2004 trucks, the F-150 7700 offered this axle and the F-250 light duty was discontinued. Gear ratios were 3.73 in 4x4 and either the 3.73 or 4.10 in the two wheel drive models.
10.50
1999 Ford revamped their heavy trucks, including their own Sterling axle. An upgraded 3 pinion differential carrier was added. The differentials are interchangeable between the two variations. The new axle also came with disc brakes and a unique 8x170mm metric lug pattern. Options and features remained unchanged until model year 2011 trucks. 2011 models with this axle have the option of being equipped with an electronic locking differential.[1]
Common Applications[2]
Ford
- 1985-2016 F-250, F-350
- all model year Excursions
References
- ↑ http://blogs.fourwheeler.com/6564589/whats-new/2011-ford-super-duty-electric-locker-lowdown/index.html
- ↑ Incomplete list. Common applications only.