Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Axle

[TMcHaffie]

Which is a better axle a dana 70 or sterling 10. 25. What i would like to know which would hold more power and which has stronger shafts and what not.

 

[EMacdonald]

A 35 spline 70 and the 10. 25 are probably pretty much even strength wise depending on the model of 70, the Sterling has bigger wheel bearings(inner wheel bearings border on silly for a LD truck app,) and possibly pinion bearings(depending on which model 70. ) They are both 35 spline, 1. 5" shafts, the ring gear is within 1/4", but, with the proper pinion bearings(thinner bearings due to a larger diameter pinion shaft, housings are the same between the two,) 99+ 10. 5 gears can be installed. For arguments sake, the 10. 25 and 70 variants other than the 70HD are equal in strength, the 10. 25 is rated at 8300 ft/lb, the 70 at 8000, the 70HD is rated at 8800, and, the 10. 5 Sterling is rated at 10,660 ft/lb(I assume this is because of it's larger pinion diameter than the 10. 25, and not the 1/4" ring gear diameter difference) which is comparable to a D80(10,000 ft/lb. )

So stock for stock, the 10. 25 and 70 strengths are not worth arguing over, but, stick some 10. 5 guts in the 10. 25, and you have a mighty strong axle. Either way, if you start breaking parts in one of these units, you better find yourself a heavy truck junkyard... . LOL