Differential Case and Ring Gear - Conventional: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the differential ring gear backlash between teeth is greater than specification, remove the ring gear to check the differential case flange runout. Do not disassemble the differential carrier assembly.

Initial disassembly

Remove the differential carrier. Tag the differential shims and bearing cups for location. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Removing 10 Differential Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage the differential ring gear bolt hole threads.

Fig 2: Inserting Punch In Differential Ring Gear Bolt Holes And Driving Differential Ring Gear Off

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.
If checking differential case flange runout, install the bearing cups in their original location and install the differential assembly.
1. Install the bearing caps and differential shims.
  - Rotate the differential assembly to verify the bearings have seated.
2. Install the special tool and record the differential case runout.
Fig 3: Installing Bearing Cups In Their Original Location And Installing Differential Assembly
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Final disassembly

NOTE: The anti-lock ring cannot be reused once removed. Remove the anti-lock ring only if damaged.

Fig 4: Removing Anti-Lock Ring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If necessary, remove the anti-lock ring.
Using the special tools, remove the differential bearings.

Fig 5: Removing Differential Bearings Using Special Tools
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 6: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 7: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate and remove the differential pinion gears and differential pinion gear thrust washers.

Fig 8: Rotating And Removing Differential Pinion Gears And Differential Pinion Gear Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential side gears and the differential side gear thrust washers.

Fig 9: Removing Differential Side Gears And Differential Side Gear Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.