Differential Ring and Pinion: Removal

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 carrier assembly. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove the 10 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Removing 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: 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.

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

Fig 3: 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 4: Removing Differential Bearings
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the driveshaft flange and pinion flange for correct alignment during installation.

Fig 5: Index-Marking Driveshaft Flange And Pinion Flange For Correct Alignment During Installation
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 driveshaft flange bolts.

Fig 6: Removing Driveshaft Flange Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The driveshaft centering socket yoke fits tightly on the pinion flange pilot. Never hammer on the driveshaft or any of its components to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange. Pry only in the area shown with a suitable tool to disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Driveshaft Centering Socket Yoke From Pinion Flange

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a suitable tool as shown, disconnect the driveshaft centering socket yoke from the pinion flange.
- Using mechanic's wire, position the driveshaft aside.
Using the special tool to hold the pinion flange, remove and discard the pinion nut.

Fig 8: Removing Pinion Nut
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the special tool, remove the pinion flange.

Fig 9: Removing Pinion Flange
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Force up on the metal flange of the drive pinion seal. Install gripping pliers and strike with a hammer until the drive pinion seal is removed.

Fig 10: Removing Pinion Seal
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the drive pinion shaft oil slinger and the outer drive pinion bearing.
Install the special tool. Using a soft-faced hammer, drive the pinion assembly out of the axle housing.

Fig 11: Driving Pinion Assembly Out Of Axle Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a brass drift, remove the drive pinion bearing cups by tapping alternately on opposite sides of the drive pinion bearing cups.

Fig 12: Removing Drive Pinion Bearing Cups By Tapping Alternately On Opposite Sides Of Drive Pinion Bearing Cups
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.