The Sterling 10.5 axle is an automotive axle manufactured by Visteon 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.
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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 and was made 1993-1997.
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.
The semi float variation is less common and was used in F-250 trucks with a lower GVWR. 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 trucks, the F-150 offered this axle and the F-250 light duty was discontinued.
1999 Ford revamped their heavy trucks. Including their own Sterling axle. An upgraded 3 pinion differential carrier was added. The differentails 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]
Ford