I've been looking around for a manual but cannot find one online and not really wanting to buy one if I don't have to. I was wondering if someone could point me into the right direction for removing the front differential. I already have my drivers side hub off because I'm doing a wheel bearing(FYI). From my understanding there is 3 or 4 bolts holding the diff in place and then I'd need to remove the passenger side cv axle also?? and it should drop down? I cannot believe ford designed the diff to be this way you would think it would have a drain plug.

Also I'm removing it to get to the diff cover so I can clean it up and get the water out(I have a pinion seal out).
Truck details:
2003 ford ranger
4wd
4.0
4.10 gears(sure that doesn't matter)

remove both CV. unbolt the driveshaft. take out the 3 bolts and lower it

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I just installed a front diff and it is that easy, but only had two bolts to mount the housing to the frame/motor mounts. Now I'm having problems with diff flopping around.
Where's your third bolt go?
I see a threaded boss at the bottom of my case (Dana 28 I think), but no mount point on frame...
Any ideas?

There should be 3 bolts. 2 horizontal bolts that go through brackets that are cast into the axel housing itself, and a third bolt that goes vertically through a bracket that bolts to the drivers side of the axel. Your description of a "threaded boss" makes me think you are missing this bracket, as it would bolt to the boss you're seeing.

98 and up Rangers have an IFS Dana 35 front axel.

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Man that is great news!
I've already made a bracket, and going to weld it in.
Thanks!

Quick update, problem solved without home spun bracket, I saw another Ranger at gas station, climbed under (with permission) and saw what I'm missing.
One trip to local Pick-n-Pull produced the bracket I needed from an Explorer.
Now my 4x4 is installed and copacetic!
Now to put more power to the wheels!


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