Differential inspection help

[RMETeeJay]

Jeep is new to me and I am replacing all fluids. Front differential went well, but I am concerned about some wear I’m seeing on the inside of the rear cover (Dana 44). It looks like the gears have just barely scraped the cover. Does this mean that the bearings are shot and there is slop? I will check the FSM, but does anyone know how to check? I don’t see any metal chunks or shavings, but the oil was medium dark.

 

[Vinman]

Not sure but those marks could have been from a previous diff failure. If there’s no chunks or excessive metal filings on the magnetic fill plug I wouldn’t worry about it.

 

[jjvw]

What marks? The ones I see are from the manufacturing.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Yep those marks are normal and from the manufacturing/stamping process.

 

[RMETeeJay]

Thanks all. I haven’t serviced a differential until this week (unless you count a drain/refill on my first car, a Datsun 210!)

In the photo below, the red areas have light, shallow scratches and nicks (just barely catches a fingernail). Blue areas have grind/polish marks that seem to correspond to the vertical gear. I can take a closeup if that would help.

Mainly, I want to make sure I don’t have loose/sloppy bearings before I put it back together.

 

[jjvw]

Everything looks like it ought to. You are looking at the trace evidence of big stamps and hammers.

 

[RMETeeJay]

Thank you for your help.