Rear axle question - Diesel Forum

Jerry Miller · 07-28-2009, 11:34 PM

I already asked about the front earlier, but is the rear axle in the 250 the same as the 350 srw? I just want to make sure I'm not shooting myself in the foot ordering a 250 instead of a 350. My logic is that a 250 has a higher GVWR than my older ('97) F350....which was overkill for me anyway. So, save the money for other options.
Jerry

**SmokeyWren** · 07-29-2009, 09:04 AM

The rear axles are both Ford "Sterling" axles with 10.5 ring gear, but the F-350 SRW axle is heavier duty than the F-250 axle. The F-250 axle has smaller axle shafts and fewer splines than the F-350 SRW axle shafts, and is rated for less max weight; 6,200 vs. 7,280 pounds @ground. The rear axle in the F-250 is fine if you don't overload the pickup much past the 10,000 pounds GVWR, but it's not enough for the 11,500 pounds GVWR of the F-350 SRW.

Don't fall for the rumor that all Ford 10.5" rear axles are the same. They're not.