Must Have Been A Beer or 12 Involved

Reddog1 wrote:

The primary issue (simplified version) was the fact a 1/2-ton axle bearing failure could possibly cause axle failure resulting in an axle braking and the wheel/axle stub would fall off. The full floating axles were and are a totally different design. The axles and bearings did not depend on each othe ton trucks over 1/2 tonr. You could damage one with no effect on the other. You can break an axle on a full floating axle, and the wheel/bearings will still be intact allwanted 3/4 owing the vehicle to stay on all four (or 6) wheels. There are other considerations, but this was the most obvious to most of us.

Yes. That is why I have always preferred 3/4 ton trucks over 1/2 tons and why I was surprised to see a truck with an F250 badge on it with a semi-floating axle.
Here is a part # for an axle for some F250's

OEM Part Number: E6TZ4234C
REAR AXLE SHAFT (LEFT) F-200/250 (3/4 TON) 86-96 W/SEMI-FLOATING REAR AXL W/ 10.25 DIAMETER RING GEAR