What rear axle does a F 250 have?
The rear axle in most Ford F-250 Super Duty trucks is a Sterling 10.5-inch unit, but the exact axle can vary with year and configuration.
Overview of rear axles on the F-250
The Ford F-250 Super Duty line has used heavy-duty rear axles designed for towing and payload capacity. In contemporary generations, the standard rear axle is the Sterling 10.5-inch unit, a full-floating design commonly paired with a range of gear ratios and locker options. Variations can occur based on model year, drivetrain configuration (2WD vs. 4WD), and whether a specific option package was selected. To know the precise axle in any given truck, you should verify the axle designation on the differential or consult the vehicle’s build documentation.
Before diving into the details below, it helps to know that the exact rear axle is determined by production options and can change over a truck’s lifecycle. The following sections describe how to identify what’s in your specific vehicle and what to look for when you’re shopping or performing maintenance.
How to identify your F-250’s rear axle
The following list explains the most reliable ways to determine the rear axle you have. It covers what to look for on the vehicle and how to confirm via documentation.
- Inspect the differential cover for branding and size. A common modern rear axle will show marks like Sterling/Dana on the cover and may indicate 10.5 inches in diameter.
- Look for an axle tag or label attached to the differential or housing. The tag often lists the model number (for example, a Sterling 10.5) and the gear ratio.
- Check the gear ratio stamped on the inside of the cover or on a stamp near the differential; this helps confirm the specific axle and gearing installed by Ford.
- Decode the VIN or build sheet. Many dealers and online VIN decoders can translate the axle type and gear ratio tied to your exact vehicle configuration.
- Consult the owner’s manual or Ford’s official service documents. They typically specify the standard rear axle for the given model year and trim.
Knowing the exact axle is important for maintenance, parts compatibility, and selecting the correct gear-ratio for towing and fuel economy. When in doubt, the axle tag or VIN decoding is the most reliable path to an accurate answer.
Why it matters for towing and maintenance
The rear axle determines payload capacity, towing performance, and the availability of lockers or limited-slip differentiators. Different gear ratios affect acceleration, highway RPM, and fuel efficiency when towing. For service parts—such as differential oil, ring-and-pinion gear sets, and axle seals—knowing the exact axle type ensures you select the correct specifications and compatible components. If you plan heavy towing or off-road use, verifying the correct axle can also guide you toward the appropriate locker option and maintenance schedule.
Summary
In summary, the F-250’s rear axle is most commonly the Sterling 10.5-inch unit in recent model years, but the definitive axle for any specific truck depends on its year, trim, and options. To be sure, identify the axle through the differential cover markings, axle tag, or VIN/build sheet, and consult Ford documentation or a dealer if needed. This verification helps with accurate parts selection, maintenance, and optimal towing performance.
What Ford trucks have Dana 60 rear axles?
- 1974–1979 F-250 (optional)
- 1999–2011 F-250 (optional)
- 1979, 1986-2011 F-350 (optional)
- 2000–2004 F-450/F-550.
- 2011-2016 F-250/F-350.
- 2017-2024 F-250/F-350.
What rear axle does my F-250 have?
The Ford Sterling 10-1/2" Rear Full-Floating Axle was introduced in 1999 along with the new Super Duty F250 and F350.
What rear axle does a 2017 F-250 have?
Sterling 10.5 & Dana M275 Rear Axles | Purchase 2017-2019 Ford F250, F350 & F550 Parts, Tools & Manuals for Rear Axles - Torque King 4x4.
How do you tell if you have 28 or 31 spline axles?
Measure the axle housing if it's a 2.5 inch diameter it's a 28 spline axle if it's a 31 spline it a 3.25 inch diameter.
