What axles are in a Ford Excursion?
The Ford Excursion relies on two rugged axles to handle its massive payload and towing capability: a front Dana Spicer 60 axle and a rear Sterling 10.5-inch axle. This pairing is the core of its durability and off-road potential.
Axle configuration overview
Below is a breakdown of the two main axle assemblies that power the Excursion, plus what ownership typically means for gear choices and capabilities.
Front axle
- Solid front Dana Spicer 60 axle, designed for heavy-duty use in Ford's Super Duty platform.
- Typically paired with a heavy-duty transfer case and four-wheel-drive system (4x4) for off-road and towing capability.
- Gear ratios commonly offered with Excursion models included 3.73, 4.10, and 4.30: these affect towing performance and engine RPM at highway speeds.
The front axle is built to withstand heavy loads and tow ratings that align with the Excursion's role as a family hauler and utility vehicle. Options in gear ratios let buyers tailor acceleration and cruising efficiency for towing or long highway trips.
Rear axle
- Sterling 10.5-inch rear axle, a full-floating design known for durability under heavy loads.
- Available with a positive locking or limited-slip differential depending on trim and package, aiding traction when towing or traveling in adverse conditions.
- Common gear ratios mirrored the front, with 3.73, 4.10, and 4.30 options (subject to year and trim), affecting towing capability and engine RPM.
The rear axle provides the main drive connection to the wheels and is designed to handle the Excursion's payload and towing requirements, with gear options to balance lugging power and fuel economy on the highway.
Year-by-year consistency and notes
Across its production run from 2000 through 2005, the Excursion largely kept the two-axle configuration described above, making the front Dana Spicer 60 and rear Sterling 10.5-inch axles its defining characteristic. Some changes were limited to gear ratio availability or trim-specific differential options rather than new axle housings.
In practice, most owners can expect the same fundamental axle setup across model years, with gear ratios chosen to fit towing needs and customer preferences. For any restoration, towing-heavy use, or performance modification, verifying the exact gear ratio from the build sheet or axle tag is recommended.
Summary
The Ford Excursion's axles—front Dana Spicer 60 and rear Sterling 10.5-inch—form a rugged, integrated drivetrain designed for heavy towing and passenger capacity. Gear ratio options and differential choices provided flexibility for different usage scenarios, while the underlying axle design remained a cornerstone of the Excursion's durability throughout its production run.
