From what I've heard the 10.25" Sterling (out of '90s f-250/F-350) all have drum brakes while the 10.5" Sterling (from a Super Duty) has disks. But the bolt pattern is different on the Super Duties (close, but not close enough). So it's a little more work (and money) to get disks on a Sterling for an older truck.

I do think that Sterlings (10.25" or 10.5") are considered stronger than a Dana 60 though.

 

A E350 in 99ish has 8x6.5 sterling and disk brakes.

A sterling would of been in most all 90's f250/350s

 

I still need to know what all to get to swap to an 8 lug setup on the d44. I've read that I'll need the knuckles and I've read that I won't need the knuckles so I don't have a definite answer. Anyone actually know for sure?

 

no powerstroke has ever come factory with a D44. You are looking to make you regular D44 to a HD44. I forget if the spindles are the same as the standard 44 but at worst you looking at taking everything from the knuckle out. It would probably be just as cost effective to just swap the axle. The 14 bolt and the E350 axle will be the old standard 8 lug pattern. I'll take a 14 bolt any day over a sterling 10.5 any day of the week. Bigger gear set, 3rd pinion bearing, easy to set up, and cheap.