Ford 10.25 VS 14 bolt???


Ok, not very familiar with the Ford 10.25 FF fulll size compared witha 14 bolt FF full size. The 14 bolts are pretty cheap to build, and plentiful, but I have not hear before from the gang much about the Ford 10.25. ANy info? How good are they? Asking this since I cam across two 10.25 one ARB and one detroit, both 5.13, for about a grand.

Anyone familiar with the Ford axle? I am debating building up my 14 bolt, or just get one of these ready to weld the perches.

Thanks,

Gui

Didn't ford start running a metric lug pattern that is not compatible with the 8x6.5" ? Probably could convert it, but just a thought.

Didn't ford start running a metric lug pattern that is not compatible with the 8x6.5" ? Probably could convert it, but just a thought.


That would be a post 1999 axle which is also a sterling 10.5" but carriers & R&P's do interchange. The pre 1998 8 by 6.5 lug pattern axles

I have heard that the pumpkin on the sterling has less hang down than the 14 bolt but i have never taped one so take that for what it is worth. Sterling has more splines and i think larger axle diameter than the 14 bolt too.


I beat the hell out of mine in my ford pulling huge loads with high HP cummins and finally ripped a pinion out while pulling a pass in MT other than that i have no complaints

Both are strong axles, and yes stock the sterling does give you more clearence then the 14 bolt, you do need to stay pre mid 99 to stay 8 on 6.5. Later they are all metric. I was always under the impression that aftermarket for the Ford rear axles was pretty slim. That would be my deciding factor.

-RJ

Gang,

Thanks for the info. I could not find much info about the sterling on the web, aside from the lug pattern issue, and the lack of available aftermarket. I am trying to compare them and see what direction to go, since cost wise, I will probably come out around the same, plus the sterlings are pretty much ready, and the 14 bolt I will need to finish putting togetrher :D

Gui

I was always under the impression that aftermarket for the Ford rear axles was pretty slim.

not that the 14b has great aftermarket support either. better than the sterling axle but no where near as much as the D60.

Why are you not considering the d70? Is this for your Jeep? The 70u has damn near the clearance of a 60 but with 35 spline 1.5" shafts and the 10.54" ring gear. Seems like an awesome choice for a fairly light weight trail rig.

D70 has nothing in common with a lightweight trail rig ;)

I have seen the 10.25's take a beating. they are good beefy rears. if it will fit your needs then go for it. both are good rears.

hmmm I do not think I can use D70 and light on the same phrase. Those pigs weigh a lot :D

BTW, checked out yesterday the 10.25, and it looks like a pretty sturdy setup. Since I have the 14 bolt on my garage, I decided to go for the 14 bolt instead. BillaVista's 14 bolt bible on the site kicks ass, so I see a lot of potential for it :)

you need beadlocks...............and I need $$

Brad, I will have to think about the beads. I bought some 37X16.5, Swampers, so need to check what I will do with those. They have a lot of tread, only used on the truck on the street. WOuld you be interested in taking the Swampers in a partial trade plus cash for the beads? :D

Gui

sorry next set o wheel will be seventeeeeeeeeeeeeens

Brad, c'mon, you can fit some 16.5 on 17 beadlocks ;) Gui

yeah.............uh.............NO! :P

Hey guys, I gonna rekindle an old thread here. This post is a couple years old, and I wanted to check for new opinions/stories on the 10.25 Ford FF rear. I'm in the same boat as geberhard....have a 14BFF GM and the Ford as well.

So let's hear it....

I popped a ring gear about 2 years ago in the one in my Diesel F-350 pulling a horse trailer. Ended up being cheaper to replace the whole axle from the junkyard ($450) instead of buying the R&P from Ford (only one available) for $650 plus setup.

Point is, I think if you are doing R&P change, lockers, etc., there is more available for the 14 bolt.

I popped a ring gear about 2 years ago in the one in my Diesel F-350 pulling a horse trailer. Ended up being cheaper to replace the whole axle from the junkyard ($450) instead of buying the R&P from Ford (only one available) for $650 plus setup.

Point is, I think if you are doing R&P change, lockers, etc., there is more available for the 14 bolt.
I found the same issues, I could get the 14 Bolt or Sterling for $165 at the pick-n-pull but as soon as I started looking at aftermarket gear availability and locker cost my choice was pretty easy (14 Bolt). It's a shame because the sterling definately does have better clearance, and while I haven't put one on a scale it looks to be a bit lighter.

when I did my 10.25 swap the only bad thing I heard about the was the short spline pinion. But if you up grade gears you don't have to worry. also the pinion crushsleve could be changed for a solid spacer. I went with 5.38 gears and welded it and have had no problems.

Getting ready to do a 14 bolt swap in a TJ. after tearing it apart, I like how they are set up.

I have a sterling 10.25 that going under my cj5 4 link. I picked it up for 100 bucks with a few badly chipped ring teeth.

Heres a few prices and links for the major goodies you'd need to build one up.

Gears (lots of ratios) and master install set ............$349.00
http://completeoffroad.com/wsm/i-1409_1025_sterling_gear__in_kit_package_355_373_41 1_430_456_488_513_538.html

detroit locker about $580 new...

rear disc brake kit, straight install, no grinding the hub or long stud issues!!
$340.00 for the brackets and discs. Expect to spend another 100 or so on caddi calipers and pads.
http://www.tsmmfg.com/2670.htm
Heres the install/write up of this kit
http://www.projectresponder.com/rear-disc-brake-conversion~11~158.htm

adds up quick, I might try to find a used detroit


As far as upgrading to a longer spline pinion, do you need 10.50 R&P or are there 10.25 pinions that are longer spline??

The Sterling is a stout axle. A guy in our club runs one and he beats on his rig pretty hard and it has survived his heavy truck.
Here is his truck.
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Madram11/DSC00198.jpg

Quick video of it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZgJcdi_acb8

Lot of people saying they are good here but I have never had any luck with them. I have swapped them out for a Dana 80 In 3 of my personal rigs and a couple of freinds work rigs over the last 5-6 years. Had a big problem with the cases cracking and or the axle bolts contsantly backing out and then wearing the axle bolt holes out of round. Just my experiences...

Edit: I currently have one in my tow rig...125,000 and no problems...yet... I bought it with 98,000 so the real towing abuse started there....

Edit 2: All my experiences are in work and tow vehicles as well...never a trail rig.