Differential Case and Ring Gear - Traction-Lok®: 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.

Remove the differential carrier. For additional information, refer to Differential Carrier in this article.
Remove and discard the 12 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Identifying 12 Differential Ring Gear Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

NOTE: The anti-lock ring cannot be reused once removed.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes. Drive off the differential ring gear and, if necessary, the anti-lock ring.

Fig 2: Driving Off Ring Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The differential bearings need not be removed to overhaul the Ford limited slip differential.

If necessary, use the special tools to remove the differential bearings.

Fig 3: Removing Differential Bearing Using Special Tools

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 4: Locating Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt

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Install the special tool in a suitable vise.

Fig 5: Identifying Special Tool In Suitable Vise

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Install the differential case on the special tool.

Fig 6: Identifying Differential Case On Special Tool

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NOTE: Apply a small amount of grease to the centering hole of the special tool.

Install the special tool in the bottom differential side gear.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tool In Bottom Differential Side Gear

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Install the nut in the upper differential side gear. Hold the nut in position while installing the hex screw. Tighten the hex-head screw until contact is made with the step plate.

Fig 8: Identifying Special Tools

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NOTE: The dowel bar is used to keep the nut from turning when the forcing screw is tightened.

Insert a suitable dowel bar in the hole of the nut. Tighten the forcing screw to force the differential side gears away from the differential pinion gears.

Fig 9: Inserting Suitable Dowel Bar In Hole

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NOTE: Differential pinion gear thrust washers cannot be removed independently of the differential pinion gears.

Insert the special tool in the pinion shaft bore, and turn the differential case to "walk" the differential pinion gears and differential pinion gear thrust washers out to the differential case windows.

Fig 10: Inserting Special Tool In Pinion Shaft Bore

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Remove the differential pinion gears and differential pinion gear thrust washers.

Fig 11: Locating Differential Pinion Gears And Pinion Gear Thrust Washers

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Remove the differential side gears and differential clutch packs with the selective shim and Belleville spring, tag them RH and LH.

Fig 12: Identifying Differential Clutch Packs

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NOTE: When separating the clutch plates and clutch discs, note the sequence in which they are disassembled. They must be reassembled in the same sequence.

NOTE: Do not use acids or solvents when cleaning the differential clutch pack. Wipe components with a clean, lint-free cloth only.

Separate the differential clutch discs and clutch plates for cleaning and inspection.

Fig 13: Identifying Clutch Plates

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.