Saturday, April 12, 2014
How do I Remove the Differential Cover on a Ford Ranger
Removing the differential cover from the axle on your Ford Ranger is the only way for you to access the gears inside the differential. If you need to change the gear oil, inspect the ring and pinion gears or replace seals and bearings in the differential, you must remove the cover. It will only take a few minutes and just a few hand tools to complete the job. In most cases, removing the cover is the simplest part of any job involving the differential.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the rear of your Ranger off the ground with a jack. Position a set of jack stands under the rear axle tube to support the truck. Lower and remove the jack.
2Position a large oil drain pan under the rear differential. Locate the bolts around the outer edge of the cover. Loosen all the bolts with a socket and ratchet. Remove them one at a time, starting at the bottom.
3Leave the top bolt in place and use a wide putty knife to pry the bottom of the cover away from the differential housing. Oil will begin to drain from the differential, so make sure the pan is under it and catching the oil as it comes out.
4Remove the last bolt at the top of the cover and lift the cover off the differential. You can now perform whatever work is necessary before reinstalling the cover with a new gasket.
