Rust in Differential--Is this bad

[Rodeo]

I took apart my rear diiferential today and this is what I found. When I bought it it had been sitting for quite a while I think. There was hardly any fluid in it when I went to drain it before opening. My question is the gears overall appear to be in good shape with no chips or damage but should I be concerned with the deep rust in spots or refill it with fluid and move on to the next problem?

 

[WES1977]

wow, mine was in the axle housing. I'd clean it up oil it up and run it.

 

[Pin_Head]

It is not good, but it is not unusual. Fill it up and run it. At worst, it might be a little noisey.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Doesn't look too bad. I'd fill it up, run it awhile and change it again after some time. Don't do it based on what I say though. Wait for some other responses.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I would refill with clean oil, run for a week, then drain again and refill, run another week, then pull the cover and get a good look at it all cleaned up. My guess is it will go for awhile, but start planning for it's replacement.

This is why it's important to drain after every trip that involves water crossings.

 

[rusty_tlc]

I would refill with clean oil, run for a week, then drain again and refill, run another week, then pull the cover and get a good look at it all cleaned up. My guess is it will go for awhile, but start planning for it's replacement.

This is why it's important to drain after every trip that involves water crossings.

Many people install breather extension tubes, myself included. Even after several water crossings there was no water inside my diff. It's a fairly easy and cheap mod. As can be seen it can also save a lot of grief. Even if you don't plan to do water crossings it's probably faster and easier to install extension tubes than to drain and fill your diff. I know it's cheap than a drain and fill after every water crossing.

 

[lcwizard]

It will probably outlast you
If it scares you swap it to the front

 

[67azcruizr]

pics of the lash?, doesn't look that bad. run it 500 miles, change the 90 weight and call it good unless it sounds like s***.

should be able to get a front 3rd for $150 or less if it doesn't work out. at best your looking at 3hrs even if your slow

 

[Cruiserdrew]

Many people install breather extension tubes, myself included. Even after several water crossings there was no water inside my diff. It's a fairly easy and cheap mod. As can be seen it can also save a lot of grief. Even if you don't plan to do water crossings it's probably faster and easier to install extension tubes than to drain and fill your diff. I know it's cheap than a drain and fill after every water crossing.

I have extended breathers, but I hate the idea of water in there. I, too, have been in surprisingly deep water without contamination, but I swap it out any way. The rear seems almost immune to water even over 36 inches, the front is not quite as resistant.

 

[Southeast Overland]

I would refill with clean oil, run for a week, then drain again and refill, run another week, then pull the cover and get a good look at it all cleaned up. My guess is it will go for awhile, but start planning for it's replacement.

This is why it's important to drain after every trip that involves water crossings.

x2

Do you have any pics from the side showing rust on the gears?

 

[Rodeo]

I don't have any pictures right now of the side with the gears. Other than a couple of spots though most of the rust is on the backside not on the actual gears. Thanks for the replies. I will finish converting it to disc brakes and put the axle back on with fresh oil and run it!

 

[Southeast Overland]

If no rust on gear face put fresh oil in, run for a while, then put fresh back in and call it good.