Compatability with old obs to new obs

nlewman · Jul 3, 2017

I've got a 1997 f350 dually cclb I need to get a flatbed and a 4:10 rear end for. A guy around me has a whole 1987 truck for sale with the flatbed, and rear end. I figured I could probably scrounge some other parts off of it. Will the flatbed all line up, and will the rear end go on with no trouble, or am I looking at some fab work? Thanks.

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Bugman · Jul 3, 2017

If I remember right the 87 doesn't have the speed sensor on the rear end as our truck do, so you would have to figure out another way to get a digital signal for the speedometer and odometer to work and everything else that is associated with it.

The bed should be OK to swap.

bluedge8 · Jul 4, 2017

As long as both are either cc or had box's from the factory, right? Frame width is different

Bugman · Jul 4, 2017

On the bed it really depends on if it is a factory or aftermarket bed. I have seen aftermarket ones have mountings set up for either the cab and chassis or a standard bed.

freddie · Jul 6, 2017

For as cheap as they are, I would hold out for a newer Sterling rear end. This article has the differences between '85-'92 and '93-'98.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/129-0506-ford-1025-1050-inch-axle-tips/

nlewman · Jul 9, 2017

freddie said:
For as cheap as they are, I would hold out for a newer Sterling rear end. This article has the differences between '85-'92 and '93-'98.
http://www.fourwheeler.com/how-to/transmission-drivetrain/129-0506-ford-1025-1050-inch-axle-tips/

What do you mean by "a newer one"? Is that a much more complex job to do?

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old man dave · Jul 10, 2017

The newer Sterlings are the ones that came on 99-03 SDs and they come with rear disc brakes.

freddie · Jul 10, 2017

nlewman said:
What do you mean by "a newer one"? Is that a much more complex job to do?

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By "newer Sterling" I was actually just referring to getting a 93-98 Sterling 10.25" as the article was explaining.

I don't see a need to go with a 99+ 10.5" and have mismatching bolt patterns.

nlewman · Jul 10, 2017

freddie said:
By "newer Sterling" I was actually just referring to getting a 93-98 Sterling 10.25" as the article was explaining.

I don't see a need to go with a 99+ 10.5" and have mismatching bolt patterns.

I have found a 4.10 off of an f350 but it's setup for a srw, will I be able to use it and parts off of my old axle to make it suitable for my dually?

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freddie · Jul 10, 2017

If it is a SRW axle, than no you cannot use it for DRW, as the DRW housings are 7" wider than the SRW.

Should be all the info you need here..
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/tow-rigs-trailers/1166754-dually-wheels-single-wheel-truck.html

Sterling Axle Measurements for reference:

Sterling 10.25 in a 1996 F350 SRW
Spring Perch to Spring Perch (Center-Center) - 45"
WMS to WMS - 65.5"
Backing Plate to Backing Plate (Inside-Inside) - 53.5
Leaf Springs - 3" wide.
The SRW axle uses a lug-centric 8 x 6.50" bolt circle and conical lug nuts.

Sterling 10.25 DRW Cab and Chassis Axle (from a 1993 Econoline Conversion Dually VanTruck, or TruckVan, if you wish)
Spring Perch to Spring Perch (Center to Center) - 40.5"
WMS to WMS - 65.5" (Same as SRW)
Backing Plate to Backing Plate (Inside-Inside) - 53.5 (Same as SRW)
Leaf Springs - 2.5" wide
The DRW axle uses a hub-centric 8 x 6.50" bolt circle and flat lug nuts

Sterling 10.25 DRW Pickup Axle (from a 1995 F350 7.3L)
Spring Perch to Spring Perch (Center to Center) - 45" (Same as SRW)
WMS to WMS - 72.5"
Backing Plate to Backing Plate (Inside-Inside) - 58.5
Leaf Springs - 3" Wide
The DRW axle uses a hub-centric 8 x 6.50" bolt circle and flat lug nuts.

The easiest way is to track down a non Cab and Chassis dually axle. Direct swap. Done.