Initial disassembly

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2014 Ford F-150. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: If the differential ring gear backlash between teeth is greater than specification, remove the ring gear to check the differential case flange runout. Do not disassemble the differential carrier assembly.

Remove the differential carrier. Tag the differential shims and bearing cups for location. For additional information, refer to DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER .
Remove and discard the 10 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.

Insert a punch in the differential ring gear bolt holes and drive the differential ring gear off.

Fig 2: Inserting Punch In Differential Ring Gear Bolt Holes
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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.
Final disassembly
Using the Differential Bearing Remover and Step Plate, remove the differential bearings.

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

Fig 5: Locating Differential Pinion Shaft Lock Bolt
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the differential pinion shaft.

Fig 6: Removing Differential Pinion Shaft
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the Differential Gauge in a suitable vise.

Fig 7: Installing Differential Gauge In Vise
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the differential case on the Differential Gauge.

Fig 8: Identifying Differential Case
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Apply a small amount of grease to the centering hole of the Differential Gauge.

Install the Differential Gauge step plate in the bottom differential side gear.

Fig 9: Installing Differential Gauge Step Plate
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
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 10: Installing Differential Gauge Nut In Upper Differential Side Gear
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Rotate and remove the differential pinion gears and differential pinion gear thrust washers.

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

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