I'm rehabbing an '87 4Runner that I picked up cheap with a bunch of problems. Major problems all solved, and now I'm working through the scheduled maintenance on the assumption that the PO didn't keep up with it.

Today was differential oil change day. The rear diff fluid looked black but healthy. The front, though, had a lot of small sparkly metal powder in the fluid. I'd estimate the size as being smaller than sand particles, no big chunks, but it was kind of alarming how much of it there was - enough that that the oil looked shimmery and metallic when we dumped it at Autozone later this evening.

I don't know much about the truck's history. I think the diffs are both stock, but I'm not certain. I had the truck off road and in 4L yesterday for the first time in at least a few months, in case that matters.

Can anyone interpret what is my front diff trying to tell me? Thanks,

--Rich

 

Honestly, the only way you are really gonna be able to tell what is going on is by pulling the 3rd and looking at it. You can try looking through the fill plug, but you arn't gonna see much.

 

Yeah, I was hoping for an easy answer but I guess it makes sense the only way to be sure is to open it up. Thanks,

--Rich

 

It's going to have metal shavings in it every time you change the oil. Unless it's making noise or some big chunks of metal came out, I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

There should be a magnet in the drain bolt to collect these tiny bits of metal.

I think it is pretty normal for you to see this...

 

Heh - and don't forget that the gray gooh sticking to the magnet is common. It's very fine ferrous material picked up by the magnet over time. Clean it off and carry on.

 

Theres supposed to be oil in there?

Just kiddin thats norm.

 

Yeah, the grey goo on the magnet is exactly what I'm talking about. No bigger chips or shards. It's nice to hear it's common and NBD - maybe I'll move on to the next item on the checklist with the time I could have spent pulling the diff apart for inspection. Thanks, everyone.