Differential Case and Ring Gear - Conventional: Disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Ford Pickup. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the differential carrier. Tag the differential shims and bearing cups for location. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove and discard the 12 differential ring gear bolts.

Fig 1: Locating Differential Ring Gear Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Care should be taken not to damage the differential ring gear bolt hole threads.

Fig 2: Inserting Punch In Ring Gear Bolt Holes

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.
If checking differential case flange runout, install the bearing cups in their original location and install the differential assembly.
1. Install the bearing caps and differential shims.
  - Rotate the differential assembly to verify the bearings have seated.
2. Install the Dial Indicator Gauge With Holding Fixture and record the differential case runout.
  
  Fig 3: Checking Differential Case Runout
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
If necessary, remove the differential bearings with the 2 Jaw Puller and Step Plate.

Fig 4: Removing Differential Bearing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft lock bolt and the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 5: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Differential Gauge in a suitable vise.

Fig 6: Installing Differential Gauge In Suitable Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the differential case on the Differential Gauge.

Fig 7: Installing Differential Case On Differential Gauge
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Apply a small amount of grease to the centering hole of the Differential Gauge step plate.

Fig 8: Installing Differential Gauge Step Plate In Bottom Differential Side Gear

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Differential Gauge step plate in the bottom differential side gear.
Install the Differential Gauge nut in the upper differential side gear. Hold the nut in position while installing the Differential Gauge hex screw. Tighten the hex-head screw until contact is made with the Step Plate.

Fig 9: Installing Differential Gauge Nut In Upper Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The dowel bar is used to keep the nut from turning when the forcing screw is tightened.

Fig 10: Inserting Suitable Dowel Bar In Hole Of Nut

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert a suitable dowel bar in the hole of the nut. Tighten the forcing screw to force the differential side gears away from the differential pinion gears.
Rotate and remove the differential pinion gears and differential pinion gear thrust washers.

Fig 11: Locating Differential Pinion Gears And Differential Pinion Gear Thrust Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential side gears, the differential side gear thrust washers and the differential side gear wave washers.

Fig 12: Removing Differential Side Gears And Washers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.