Sterling?

[uberbeans]

I may have a chance to get a free Sterling rearend out of a F350 (I know, I know). I'm not sure what year but I think it is a late 90's truck. It is full floater. What info do you guys have on strength, size, etc. for this axle? Is it worth the effort to make it work?

[gfbgreaser289]

these are stong rearends and worth it if its free. they have 35 spline 1.5 shafts they have a 10.25 inch ring gear and they have two cross pins just like the 14bolts. they have 1.5" more clearance than a 14bolt also. the only thing that is bad about them is there arent as many gear options for them. they are considered NEW still. the 99 and up ones have a metric pattern but have 10.5 inch ring gears. for free its one hell of a deal.

[uberbeans]

Originally Posted by gfbgreaser289

these are stong rearends and worth it if its free. they have 35 spline 1.5 shafts they have a 10.25 inch ring gear and they have two cross pins just like the 14bolts. they have 1.5" more clearance than a 14bolt also. the only thing that is bad about them is there arent as many gear options for them. they are considered NEW still. the 99 and up ones have a metric pattern but have 10.5 inch ring gears. for free its one hell of a deal.

But how well would it fit in a 1980 Blazer?

[LeviGarrett76]

gears arent any more limited than a 14 bolt...you can get everything from 3.08 to 5.38 and a 7.17

[Davethorik]

Originally Posted by uberbeans

But how well would it fit in a 1980 Blazer?

Axle beauty is only a leaf perch and shock bracket relocation away.

[Taragon]

I've NEVER pulled on apart that had 2 cross pins. Better re-check that bit of info.

[uberbeans]

Are they as strong as a 14? Is the bolt pattern the same as Chevy (D60)? I don't want to carry two spares!

[xanthias]

Originally Posted by uberbeans

Are they as strong as a 14? Is the bolt pattern the same as Chevy (D60)? I don't want to carry two spares!

Depends on the year model of the F350 donor, as to the bolt pattern. If it is a 99 or up F350, then the lug pattern is metric, 8x170mm. 98 and down (I think) is 8x6.5" like Chevy. Yes, I would say the Sterling is as strong as a 14-bolt. One advantage to the 99+ is factory with rear disc, but I wouldn't put up with 2 lug patterns just for that.

[u2slow]

Ford hubs are fatter that GM. Usually not a problem with aftermarket wheels though.

[J-Ohlin]

Even for free I wouldn't take it. The metric pattern is gonna suck unless you have a metric front axle too.

Well I guss I would take it, right to the metal scrap yard.

[77k5]

Originally Posted by gfbgreaser289

they have 1.5" more clearance than a 14bolt also.

Christ, why is everyone so hung up on comparing clearance #'s from a 70, Sterling, etc. to a stock (think huge lip hanging down) 14 bolt ? Seriously, an hours work with a cutoff wheel/grinder and the 14 bolt has the same clearance as either.

Back to the original question, the sterling ring and pinion is nowhere near as strong as the 14 bolts, but otherwise they are pretty comperable.

[yz450kid]

Originally Posted by 77k5

Christ, why is everyone so hung up on comparing clearance #'s from a 70, Sterling, etc. to a stock (think huge lip hanging down) 14 bolt ? Seriously, an hours work with a cutoff wheel/grinder and the 14 bolt has the same clearance as either.

Back to the original question, the sterling ring and pinion is nowhere near as strong as the 14 bolts, but otherwise they are pretty comperable.

The sterlings are supposed to be stronger. Ive seen that in a couple different publishings anyway. They do not have as many locker applications.

[k5chevyblazer]

I run one, 5.38"s, ARB and disc brakes. just get a 98 or older and you'll be fine.

[uberbeans]

Originally Posted by k5chevyblazer

I run one, 5.38"s, ARB and disc brakes. just get a 98 or older and you'll be fine.

I know it is older than 98. It is presently owned by a little old lady (Really! It's my mother-in-law.) who got it in a divorce settlement. I am probably can get the whole truck. I could probably get it running, but it really is a p.o.s.. I'm just brain-storming. I don't know much about fords, what is the front end and would it work in my Blazer. I've only seen the truck once and can't remember much about it because it wasn't something I was interested in (until maybe now).

[xanthias]

If it is a pre-98 F350, you should have the same standard 8x6.5" bolt pattern. If the 350 is a 4x4, then it will either have a Dana 50 or Dana 60 driver drop (I think) front axle, depending on the year. If it has the Dana 60 and the sterling rear, these would be just fine for a 1-ton swap, as long as you can accommodate the driver drop front axle.

[xanthias]

Oh, one more thought. The front axle will be a ball-joint axle, not a kingpin. I can't remember the year Ford went to unit bearings, either, -I think it was 99- but that is something to consider. If you plan to wheel 38's or lower, you'd probably be okay with the balljoint axle but the unit bearings are expensive to replace (see sig for how I know), even if you do it yourself ($700+).

[uberbeans]

Originally Posted by xanthias

If it is a pre-98 F350, you should have the same standard 8x6.5" bolt pattern. If the 350 is a 4x4, then it will either have a Dana 50 or Dana 60 driver drop (I think) front axle, depending on the year. If it has the Dana 60 and the sterling rear, these would be just fine for a 1-ton swap, as long as you can accommodate the driver drop front axle.

Yeah, driver drop is a problem. But getting the rear for free would be cool. How much would a 3/4 ton 14-bolt cost? Then there would be no welding.

[xanthias]

14-bolts can be had for cheap. Depending on location and condition, $50 - $250 is the range I usually see for 14-bolts. Most often, these will be with drums and 4.10's or 3.73's. Weld it up to lock it for cheap. You're correct that the 3/4 ton version is a direct bolt-in while the 1-ton version would require moving the spring perches to go in your K5.

ColoradoK5 classifieds is a good place to troll for a 14-bolt.

Now, if that F350 has a driver drop 60, you could probably scavenge it for trade, even if you don't use it. Many of the Ford Bronco guys are on the lookout for them to swap in for their TTB setups.

[uberbeans]

Originally Posted by xanthias

14-bolts can be had for cheap. Depending on location and condition, $50 - $250 is the range I usually see for 14-bolts. Most often, these will be with drums and 4.10's or 3.73's. Weld it up to lock it for cheap. You're correct that the 3/4 ton version is a direct bolt-in while the 1-ton version would require moving the spring perches to go in your K5.

ColoradoK5 classifieds is a good place to troll for a 14-bolt.

Now, if that F350 has a driver drop 60, you could probably scavenge it for trade, even if you don't use it. Many of the Ford Bronco guys are on the lookout for them to swap in for their TTB setups.

THAT is great advice. Even if I don't use that stuff perhaps it would have trade in value. Thanks again!