Ford Sterling Axle Products
The Ford Sterling Axle Plant in Sterling Heights, Michigan, produces a range of rear axles and other related products for various Ford vehicles. The current products include:
– Rear Axles: F-150, F-250, Expedition/Navigator, Mustang, Transit
– Front Axles: F-150, Expedition, Navigator
– Rear Drive Unit: Flex, MKT, Edge, MKC, Escape, Lincoln Continental, Fusion, MKZ, EcoSport, Kuga
– Suspension parts, truck axles, stampings, tire and wheels, frames
– Hydroforming, heat treat for F-series trucks and Super Duty trucks.
The Sterling Axle Plant has been operational since 1956 and has a significant workforce, with approximately 2,155 hourly employees as of August 31, 2023. The plant’s size is substantial, covering 3,000,000 square feet on a site of 171 acres.
Ford Sterling 10.5″ Rear Axle
The Ford Sterling 10.5″ Rear Axle is a specific product manufactured at the Sterling Axle Plant. It was first used in model year 1985 Ford trucks and was developed to replace the Dana 60 and Dana 70. Some general specifications of the Sterling 10.5″ axle include:
– Ring gear measures 10.5″
– 35 Spline axle shafts with a diameter
– Ratios ranging from 3.08 to 4.30, with current production ratios offered at 3.31, 3.55, 3.73, and 4.30
– Gears formed by the face hob process since around 2005
– Equipped with disc brakes, dual piston calipers, and in-hat parking brakes.
The Sterling 10.5″ axle is a full floating axle and has undergone engineering changes over the years, with significant updates effective from the 2011 model year. It is used on Excursions, F250, and F350 Single Rear Wheel (SRW) trucks.
Aftermarket Upgrades and Use
The Sterling 10.5″ axle has been a subject of interest for aftermarket upgrades, with various products available for customization and enhancement. Some of the aftermarket upgrades include:
– Aftermarket gears: Yukon Gear, U.S. Gear, Richmond Gear
– Limited-slip differentials: Eaton, Ford Traction-Lok (two- and three-spider), Auburn
– Locking differentials: Detroit, ARB, Lock-Right.
Additionally, the Sterling 10.5″ axle has been used under Ford 3/4- or 1-ton pickups and has been compared to other axles, such as the GM 14-bolt, in various projects.
Conclusion
The Ford Sterling Axle Plant is a significant manufacturing facility for Ford’s rear axles and related products, including the Sterling 10.5″ Rear Axle. The plant’s products are utilized in a range of Ford vehicles, and the Sterling 10.5″ axle has been a notable component in the aftermarket and customization scene.
Contents
- What did Dana 60 axles come in?
- How do you tell if your axle is a Dana 60?
- Why did they stop making sterling trucks?
- What rear axle does my F 250 have?
- What kind of truck is a sterling?
- What is the weight rating of a sterling 10.5 axle?
- Is Sterling 10.5 a good axle?
- Is a sterling 10.5 a Dana 60?
- Are sterling rear ends good?
- When did Ford start using sterling axles?
What did Dana 60 axles 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.
How do you tell if your axle is a Dana 60?
Many Dana axles have the model ID cast into the fins or centersection. Look for a “44” or “60” cast into the reinforcement ribs. The number can usually be found on the lower right side rib below the differential cover, but it may also be found on other ribs or on top of the main cast structure.
Why did they stop making sterling trucks?
After years of struggling to meet sales expectations, Daimler discontinued the Sterling Trucks line in 2009. Headquartered in Redford Township, Michigan (Detroit), Sterling assembled its conventional-cab vehicles in St. Thomas, Ontario and Portland, Oregon.
What rear axle does my F 250 have?
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.
What kind of truck is a sterling?
It was originally the heavy truck division of Ford Motor Company, but was purchased and rebranded in 1997. Headquartered in Detroit, Michigan, its conventional trucks were built in St. Thomas, Ontario. Sterling-brand trucks were sold in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand.
What is the weight rating of a sterling 10.5 axle?
For instance, the sterling 10.25 vs 10.5. The earlier 10.25 was rated to a max of 6250 lbs while the later Serling 10.5 was rated for 9750 lbs. this is assuming that’s the axle you have as there was a Dana 70-u or a Dana 80 option as well.
Is Sterling 10.5 a good axle?
At the end of the day, the Sterling 10.5 isn’t a bad rear axle, it simply has a weak spot that needs to be addressed. We’re even willing to go out on a limb and say it’s one of the best-value full-float axles available. Well, next to the GM 14-bolt, of course. Oh, yes.
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. The Sterling 10.5 axle is currently only made as a full floating axle.
Are sterling rear ends good?
They are good rearends. The Sterling has been around long enough for the kinks to be worked out of it.
When did Ford start using sterling axles?
The Ford 10.25″ and Ford 10.5″ axles, also known as Visteon and Sterling axles because they are manufactured by Visteon at the Sterling Axle Plant in Michigan, are exclusive to Ford and were first introduced in 1985.