Differential Case and Ring Gear - Conventional: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Ford RV Cutaway, 2004 Ford Econoline, 2004 Ford E450 Super Duty, and 2004 Ford Cutaway. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential case. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CASE .
Remove the 10 ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Removing Ring Gear Bolts
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CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage the bolt hole threads.

Fig 2: Driving Ring Gear Off

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

NOTE: The speed sensor ring cannot be reused once removed.

Fig 3: Removing Speed Sensor Ring If Required

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Remove the speed sensor ring if required.
Using the special tools, remove the differential bearing.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearing
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Remove and discard the differential pinion shaft lock bolt.

Fig 5: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
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Remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 6: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft
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Rotate and remove the differential pinion gear and differential pinion thrust washer.

Fig 7: Removing Differential Pinion Gear And Differential Pinion Thrust Washer
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Remove the differential side gear and the differential side gear thrust washer.

Fig 8: Removing Differential Side Gear And Differential Side Gear Thrust Washer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.