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

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford F-550 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-450 Super Duty, 2013 Ford F-350 Super Duty, and 2013 Ford F-250 Super Duty. 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 Differential Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Insert a punch in the bolt holes and drive off the ring gear.

Fig 2: Removing Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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 Of Differential Case On Differential Clutch Preload Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Index-mark the differential case halves.

Fig 5: Locating Index-Mark On Differential Case Halves
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Attach the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture with a bolt and nut.

Install the Drive Pinion Flange Holding Fixture on the differential case as shown below and loosen the 9 differential case bolts.

Fig 6: Loosening Differential Case Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 9 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 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.