Differential Case: Removal

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.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING .
Remove the 10 bolts and the differential housing cover.
- Drain the lubricant from the rear axle.
Clean the gasket material from the differential housing cover and the differential housing.
Remove the axle shafts. For additional information, refer to WHEEL HUBS AND BEARINGS - FULL FLOATING AXLE - DANA .
NOTE: Note the positions of the mating letters stamped vertically and horizontally on the bearing caps and the differential housing before removing the bearing caps.

Remove the 4 bolts and the 2 bearing caps.

Fig 1: Locating Mating Letters Stamped On Bearing Caps And Differential Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Do not spread the differential housing more than specified or damage to the housing may occur.

Using the Differential Carrier Spreader and Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture, spread the differential housing.

Fig 2: Spreading Differential Housing Using Differential Carrier Spreader And Dial Indicator Gauge With Holding Fixture
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: It will be necessary to use large pry bars to remove the differential assembly from the differential housing. Do not damage the differential ring gear when carrying out this step.

NOTE: Mark or tag the differential bearing cups, indicating from which side they were removed.

Remove the differential assembly with the bearing cups.
- Inspect the differential bearing cups for deep scores, galling and spalling.
  
  Fig 3: Removing Differential Assembly With Bearing Cups
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Mark or tag the outboard spacers indicating from which side they were removed.

Remove the 2 outboard spacers.
- Inspect the spacers for nicks, bending or grooved conditions.
  
  Fig 4: Locating Outboard Spacers
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Differential bearings shims are available in thicknesses of 0.762, 0.787, 0.813, 0.838, 0.864, 0.889 and 0.914 mm (0.030, 0.031, 0.032, 0.033, 0.034, 0.035 and 0.036 in).

NOTE: If damaged, install new differential bearing shims.

NOTE: Install new differential bearings and cups if removing the bearings from the differential case.

Using the Differential Carrier Bearing Collets, Bearing Tube Removal Screw, Bearing Tube Remover, Differential Carrier Bearing Step Plate and Differential Carrier Bearing Retaining Ring, remove the differential bearings.
- Tag the selective inboard spacers to identify the side from which they were removed.
  
  Fig 5: Removing Differential Bearings
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use a vise with brass jaws or wood blocks.

Place the differential case in a vise.
NOTE: Do not damage the anti-lock speed sensor ring when removing the differential ring gear.

NOTE: Always use new bolts upon reassembly.

Remove and discard 8 of the ring gear bolts. Leave 4 bolts loosely assembled, 90 degrees apart.

Fig 6: Identifying Ring Gear With Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Tap each remaining bolt head alternately with a rawhide or plastic hammer to loosen the differential ring gear. Remove and discard the 4 bolts. Remove the differential ring gear.

Fig 7: Tapping Bolts Of Differential Ring Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If necessary, remove and discard the anti-lock speed sensor ring with a soft-faced hammer.

Fig 8: Removing Anti-Lock Speed Sensor Ring
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.