Differential Case and Ring Gear - Two-Piece, Conventional: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2010 Ford Pickup and 2010 Ford Cab & Chassis. 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 .
Remove and discard the 12 ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Locating Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Insert a punch in the bolt holes and drive off the ring gear.

Fig 2: Driving Off Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

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

NOTE: Remove the wheel speed sensor ring only if required.

If required, remove the wheel speed sensor ring.
Position the Differential Clutch Preload Gauge in a vise.

Fig 3: Positioning Differential Clutch Preload Gauge In Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the differential case on the Differential Clutch Preload Gauge.

Fig 4: Positioning Differential Case On Differential Clutch Preload Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the differential case halves.

Fig 5: Identifying Differential Case Halves Index-Mark
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Attach the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture with a bolt and nut.

Fig 6: Installing Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture On Differential Case

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture on the differential case as shown in illustration and loosen the 6 differential case bolts.
Remove the 6 differential case bolts.

Fig 7: Locating Differential Case Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the right differential case half and differential side gear.

Fig 8: Removing Right Differential Case Half And Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft and differential pinion gears.

Fig 9: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft And Differential Pinion Gears
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the left differential side gear and the differential side gear thrust washers.

Fig 10: Removing Left Differential Side Gear And Differential Side Gear Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.