Differential mechanism assembly

A method for manufacturing a differential assembly, comprising the steps of:

• (a) producing a first case portion by cold flow forming a first workpiece on a first mandrel;
• (b) producing a second case portion including a flange by cold flow forming a second workpiece on a second mandrel;
• (c) installing in a cavity formed in the first case portion a spider assembly including radially extending spider pins located at an axial position, pinions supported for rotation on the spider assembly, and a first side gear engaged with the pinions;
• (d) securing a ring gear to the first case portion, the ring being located radially outboard of the spider assembly and at the axial position of the spider pins;
• and
• (e) using the flange to secure the second case portion to the ring gear.