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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Ford Pickup, 2003 Ford Excursion, and 2003 Ford Cab & Chassis. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential case (4204). Refer to Differential Case .
Remove the ring gear bolts.

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

Fig 2: Inserting Punch In Bolt Holes And Drive Off Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The anti-lock speed sensor ring cannot be reused once removed.

NOTE: Remove the anti-lock speed sensor ring only if required.

Remove the anti-lock speed sensor ring.
Position the special tool in a vise.

Fig 3: Positioning Special Tool In A Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Position the differential case on the special tool.

Fig 4: Positioning Differential Case On Special Tool
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index mark the differential case halves.

Fig 5: Marking Differential Case Halves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Attach the special tool with a bolt and nut.

Fig 6: Loosening Differential Case Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the special tool on the differential case as shown and loosen the differential case bolts.
Remove the differential case bolts.

Fig 7: Removing Differential Case Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the right differential case half and differential side gear (4236).

Fig 8: Removing Right Differential Case Half And Differential Side Gear (4236)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft (4211) and differential pinion gears (4215).

Fig 9: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft (4211) And Differential Pinion Gears (4215)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the left differential side gear and the differential side gear thrust washers (4228).

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