How do I disconnect the differential on a 1996 Miata?

I'm trying to remove the differential (housing and all) from a 1996 Miata. I have removed every bolt and every nut that holds the thing on...but there is one thing still keeping it connected.





The Power Plant Frame, a sort of bracket ] shaped beam with holes cut in it, holds the differential housing on one end. There are two long bolts which go clear through the PPF diff (which sits inside the PPF) and out the other side. One of these bolts is surrounded by a ring, which has some kind of phlange on the underside of the PPF.





That ring is the only thing holding the differential in place, and I have been unable to remove it. I have also not found any reference which explains how to remove it. The ring has a notch in it like it's supposed to be pryed off, but I've tried prying it and all I've managed to do is gouge the metal of the ring.





How exactly does this thing come off? Just pry it off? Does it twist off? Is there some trick to it?|||and differential removal and replacement tips. First thing is to drain the fluid and disconnect the battery. The front of the PPF is straight forward. The rear most bolt on differential has a special nut on top that locks the differential in place. After removing the long bolt, reinstall it about 6 turns. Then hit the bolt upwards with a hammer. This will remove the special nut. Do not lose the special nuts, as they are not available separately. Advanced Autosports has had replacements made, just in case.





The forward bolt on the differential is just like the rear one, except it has a built-in shoulder. Remove the front bolt and use the rear bolt to drive out the special nut. The front bolt also has a lower bushing that must be removed. A chisel or pry bar will remove the bushing. Now the PPF can be removed. Once the PPF is removed the trans will tilt back far enough to give access to all the Bell housing bolts. The big trick is to place a 2 x 4 between the steering rack and the engine. This will keep the trans tilted back during installation.





http://www.advanced-autosports.com/techn鈥?/a>