I have the Dana 44 drained and am able to get a look at the gears. I do see some rust on the internals. Perhaps this is what that mechanic was referencing?
The oil was nothing like what I saw in the front. Definitely not milky but as black as the oldest motor oil I've seen. A paper or LubeLocker was used, which is freaking so much easier to clean up. Anyway, see below for pictures.
Prior to cleaning with brake cleaner:
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The oil:
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After cleaning with brake cleaner. There's some rust on the carrier and the R&P gear.
View attachment 342207
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I plan to regear and put in a locker in the near future, but my thought is just to finish cleaning it up, put the cover back on and fill it with oil. I haven't been driving it as I waited to change the front/rear diff fluid. Can I drive it like this after the oil has been changed?