Sterling vs D60

[QCAuto]

So from what ive searched, the skinny of keeping the D60 vs putting in a Sterling.
Sterling will be same width and gear ratio if from same truck. Same as fronts wheel pattern, but have to redo spring perches(no biggie) and park cables etc(maybe same as van with disks?)
Next the 60, need adapters(for width? And change bolt circle) need to change ratio to match front, can keep original rear disk brakes and park cables etc
Anything I'm missing?? Thanks

 

[devo 1]

Factory limited slip in the Sterling.
Does anybody know the width of the 03 Sterling compared to the 05 Sterling?

 

[ujoint]

The semi float 60's are 67" WMS to WMS.

"Early" Sterlings (99-04) are 68.5"

"Late" Sterlings are 70.5" (05-07) The 08/ups may be the same but we only use the 05-07's.

We have a kit to install the Sterlings in the vans that includes spring perches, shock mounts, hard & soft brake lines as well as E brake cables. I don't recommend to re weld the stock perches since they're cast but some guys do. We bought & tried out many many e-brake cables to get the best combo for the easiest install.

Main benefits of the Sterling are the many limited slip & locker options and the beef over a 60, especially the semi float.

 

[radorsch]

This may be a stupid question, but... If you swap out a D60 for a Sterling in the the rear, can you then use the same D60 in the front as part of a 4x4 conversion?

 

[BajaSportsmobile]

This may be a stupid question, but... If you swap out a D60 for a Sterling in the the rear, can you then use the same D60 in the front as part of a 4x4 conversion?

You would only be able to go straight and only in 2wd.

 

[radorsch]

At least I was right about something- it was a stupid question! Need to remember to engage brain before posting, particularly if I'm going to lead with "This may be a stupid question"...
Thanks

 

[QCAuto]

so no need for spacers?

 

[ujoint]

Nope, no need for spacers with the Sterling.

 

[radorsch]

As Chris mentioned earlier, there are not many LSD/lockers for the stock Dana 60 32 spline, as I'm finding. However, if you have a Dana 60, as I do, one can swap in new axle shafts for about $350 (at least in the full float) and use any of the wealth of 35 or 30 spline options.

 

[Abitibi]

Hey Chris, I read on your site that your e-brake cables only work with the 05-07 Sterling 10.5

Been too long, can't remember if my Sterling is an 04 or 05 but what happens if I have a 99-04? Will I be on my own to figure the e-brake and is there other issues with the older Sterling?

 

[ujoint]

No issues with it but you'll have to make it work by making a jumper cable to join the factory & axle cables. Our 05-07 cables are bolt on which is really nice! Haven't figured out the earlier ones yet.

I've tried, many many many e-brake cables have come in & out of this shop!