What did Sterling 10.25 come in?
The Sterling 10.25 axle is a robust and reliable rear axle assembly that has been a staple in heavy-duty trucks for decades. Known for its durability and ability to handle significant loads, this axle has been a popular choice for Ford trucks. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Sterling 10.25 axle, its applications, and the vehicles it was commonly found in.
What Is the Sterling 10.25 Axle?
The Sterling 10.25 is a full-floating rear axle designed for heavy-duty applications. Manufactured by Ford's Sterling Axle Plant, this axle was introduced in the early 1980s and became a standard feature in many of Ford's heavy-duty trucks. Its design allows it to handle high torque and heavy loads, making it ideal for work trucks and towing applications.
Vehicles That Featured the Sterling 10.25 Axle
The Sterling 10.25 axle was primarily used in Ford trucks from the 1980s through the mid-1990s. Below is a list of vehicles that commonly came equipped with this axle:
- Ford F-250 (1985-1997): The Sterling 10.25 was a standard feature in many F-250 models, particularly those designed for heavy-duty use.
- Ford F-350 (1985-1997): This axle was a staple in the F-350 lineup, providing the strength needed for towing and hauling.
- Ford E-Series Vans: Some heavy-duty versions of the Ford E-Series vans also utilized the Sterling 10.25 axle.
Why Was the Sterling 10.25 So Popular?
The popularity of the Sterling 10.25 axle can be attributed to several factors:
- Durability: Its full-floating design ensures that the axle shafts only transmit torque, while the weight of the vehicle is supported by the axle housing and bearings. This reduces stress on the axle shafts and increases longevity.
- High Load Capacity: The axle was designed to handle heavy loads, making it ideal for work trucks and towing applications.
- Ease of Maintenance: The design of the Sterling 10.25 allows for relatively straightforward maintenance and repairs, which is a significant advantage for fleet operators and individual owners alike.
Conclusion
The Sterling 10.25 axle remains a legendary component in the world of heavy-duty trucks. Its use in Ford's F-250 and F-350 models, as well as some E-Series vans, cemented its reputation as a reliable and durable axle. If you own one of these vehicles or are considering purchasing one, the Sterling 10.25 is a feature that ensures your truck is ready for tough jobs and heavy loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Sterling 10.25 rear end?
The Sterling 10.25 is a solid rear axle with a full-floating design. This means the axle shafts do not bear the weight of the vehicle, allowing the axle to handle heavier loads without undue stress on the shafts themselves.
What did Dana 70 come in?
The first Dana 70 front axle was used in 1958 by Dodge in the W300, in both 4.88 and 5.87 ratios. International started using Dana 70 front axles in the late 1960s. Both companies used Dana 70 front axles until the mid-1970s (Dodge W300 pickup up until 1978, discontinued in 1979).
What did a Dana 60 come in?
The Dana 60, a heavier-duty axle than the Dana 44, was first used in the 1950s. It was the axle of choice under countless Dodge, Ford, GM, Studebaker, IH and Jeep 3/4-ton and 1-ton fullsize trucks, as well as Ramchargers and Trail Dusters with the 440ci V-8, and some heavy-duty 1/2-ton Ford and IH trucks.
What did the Sterling 10.25 come in?
A Ford Sterling 10.25 axle is a heavy duty, full floating rear axle produced for F-250 and F-350 trucks. It can handle up to 5,000 pounds of gross vehicle weight. In the beginning, Ford used Dana axles in their trucks. Later on, they developed the Sterling 10.25 axle to replace the Dana axles.
Is a Dana 60 stronger than a Ford 9 inch?
The Ford 9-inch pinion is mounted lower in the carrier and has the greatest hypoid offset, which causes it to consume more power to drive it than the Dana 60 or GM 12-bolt. The Dana 60 has so much mass it too consumes a lot of power to drive (although many say it feels slightly less than a 9-inch Ford).
What axle ratio is better for mileage?
The lower the number, the better fuel economy, and the higher the number the more towing power you have, but fuel economy suffers. For instance, a 3:31 gets better fuel economy than a 3:73. On the other hand, a 3:73 or perhaps a 4:10 will tow much more, while fuel economy greatly drops.
Is a sterling 10.5 a Dana 60?
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.
How strong is a Sterling 10.25 axle?
The gross axle weight rating (GAWR) for the Sterling 10.25 can range from 6,000 to 7,000 pounds, depending on the specific configuration. This makes it one of the strongest axles available for heavy-duty trucks, well-suited for demanding tasks.
What years did Ford have a 10.5 axle?
Ford 10.5" full-floating rear axles were the only available axle for 2000-2005 Excursions plus 1999-2016 Ford F-250 and Single Rear Wheel (SRW) F-350 trucks. A Dual Rear Wheel Version (DRW) was also used for some gas engine F350 models.
