Differential Carrier: Removal

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 axle assembly. For additional information, refer to AXLE ASSEMBLY .
Remove the 10 bolts and the differential housing cover.
- Drain the fluid.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Differential Housing Cover And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using the Transmission Fluid Pump Remover and Slide Hammer, remove the intermediate shaft.

Fig 2: Removing Intermediate Shaft Using Transmission Fluid Pump Remover And Slide Hammer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 4 bolts and the axle housing tube.

Fig 3: Locating Axle Housing Tube And Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The fixture mounting bolts must have the minimum specified thread engagement in the carrier or damage to the component may occur.

Fig 4: Identifying Transmission Holding Fixture

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Transmission Holding Fixture.

NOTE: The housing spreader adapter bolts must have the minimum specified thread engagement in the carrier or damage to the component may occur.

Fig 5: Installing Adapter For Differential Housing Spreader And Differential Housing Spreader Plate

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Differential Housing Spreader Plate and Adapter for Differential Housing Spreader.
Position the Differential Carrier Spreader on the spreader adapters.

Fig 6: Positioning Differential Carrier Spreader On Spreader Adapters
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture and Clutch Housing Gauge.
- Position the adapter tip in the spreader adapter hole.
  
  Fig 7: Positioning Adapter Tip In Spreader Adapter Hole
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Overspreading may damage the component.

Spread the axle housing to the specification.
1. Adjust the Dial Indicator Gauge to zero.
2. Tighten the housing spreader screw to spread the axle housing to the specification.
3. Remove the Dial Indicator Gauge with Holding Fixture.
  
  Fig 8: Spreading Axle Housing To Specification
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Mark the differential bearing caps Top or Bottom and LH or RH appropriately before removing them. Always install the differential bearing caps in their original positions or damage to the component may occur.

Mark and remove the 2 differential bearing caps.
1. Remove the 4 differential bearing cap bolts.
2. Remove the 2 differential bearing caps.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Differential Bearing Caps And Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: Use wood blocks to avoid axle housing damage.

NOTE: Index-mark the position of the differential bearing shims. The differential bearing shims must be installed in their original locations and positions.

Remove the differential carrier from the axle housing.
1. Position the wood blocks.
2. Position and push down on the 2 pry bars.
3. Remove the differential carrier.
4. Remove the Differential Carrier Spreader.
  
  Fig 10: Removing Differential Assembly From Axle Housing
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.