Differential Carrier: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Many components and surfaces in the axle are precision machined. Careful handling during disassembly, cleaning, inspection and assembly will prevent unnecessary damage to machined surfaces.

Remove the front drive axle assembly from the vehicle. For additional information, refer to Axle Assembly .
- Remove the front axle damper from the axle to frame bracket, if so equipped.

Fig 1: Attaching Axle Assembly To Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Attach the axle assembly to the special tool.

Fig 2: Identifying Differential Housing Cover & Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the differential housing cover.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the differential housing cover.
Drain the axle lubricant from the differential housing.

Fig 3: Removing Axle Shaft Using Jerking Motion

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using a jerking motion, remove the axle shaft.

Fig 4: Locating Differential Bearing Caps And Bolts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The matched numbers or letters stamped on both of the differential bearing caps and the differential housing must correspond during assembly.

Remove the differential bearing caps.
1. Remove the bolts.
2. Remove the differential bearing caps.

Fig 5: Installing Special Tool (205-356 )

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: The Housing Spreader Adapter bolts have a minimum thread engagement as specified.

Install the special tool.

Fig 6: Installing Special Tools (100-002), (205-001) & (308-021)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the special tools.
- Position the Clutch Housing Alignment Adapter needle in the Housing Spreader Adapter hole.

Fig 7: Locating Dial Indicator, Differential Carrier Spreader Screw And Special Tool

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Over spreading can damage the differential housing.

Spread the differential housing to the specification.
1. Adjust the special tool to zero.
2. Tighten the Differential Carrier Spreader screw to spread the differential housing to the specification.
3. Remove the Dial Indicator with Brackets and the Clutch Housing Alignment Adapter.

Fig 8: Removing Differential Assembly From Axle Housing

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Use wood blocks to avoid damaging the differential housing.

Remove the differential assembly from the differential housing.
1. Position the wood blocks.
2. Push downward on the pry bars.
3. Remove the differential assembly.
4. Remove the special tool.