Take a look at my axle shaft

[SkylinesSuck]

I would buff the grooves with some emery strip in 220 grit and get them a bit smoother. Buff as in like how you buff shoes to shine with a cloth.

Last stupid question; I now realize most people envision shining shoes by grabbing either end of a rag and buffing it back and forth. Is this what you meant? I had original thought to put it on the end of my finger tips and buff in a circular motion which is how I did my boots.

 

[DaYooperTransplant]

Never having a diff that disassembled, would there be concern about the area circled in red? When the day comes, I'd like to know what to do, if anything, if it looks the same. Thanks

 

[SkylinesSuck]

That's not a bearing race. It just holds the race, so I don't think it'll be an issue. Good eye though.