Initial disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Lincoln Mark LT and 2007 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.

Remove the differential carrier. Tag the differential shims and bearing cups for location. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier in this article.
Remove and discard the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Identifying Differential Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.

Fig 2: Driving The Differential Ring Gear Off

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

If checking differential case flange runout, install the bearing cups in their original location and install the differential assembly.
- Install the bearing caps and differential shims.
  - Rotate the differential assembly to verify the bearings have seated.
- Install the special tool and record the differential case runout.

Fig 3: Recording The Differential Case Runout

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.