big b

Good morning all, another noobie question. I pulled the plug on my rearend and there was a bunch of small metal shavings on the magnet, is this normal for anti-slip differentials? there is 70K on the truck. :P

Commatoze

Not know the size of the shavings, I would say yes. You should see what's on the magnet inside the cover. Mine had about 10K when I pulled it to replace with a Mag-Hytec, and the magnet was covered with a metallic mud. I'd say you're fine, but you might think about draining the rear and replacing the gear oil.

big b

The metal on the plug was larger than the typical mud you normally find, it was actually small slivers? What is Mag-hytec?

BriarHopper

Mag-Hytec is a specially manufactured rear gear cover, that holds an extra quart, has a built-in dipstick, and a drain plug. Very good looking, highly functional, many of us have them. Almost every diesel performance shop sells them.
I'd suggest a good synthetic gear lube like Amsoil Series 2000 75w-90, whether you go with an aftermarket cover or not.
Without getting a look at the actual size of the shavings/slivers, I'd guess that's normal, I've seen pretty much the same as you described, in 3 different truck axles, but none/or insignificant amount since switching to synthetic.

Haulin_in_Dixie

I agree with Brian, the ring and pinion is a wear part, not like bearings, there will always be some wear which is picked up (hopefully) by the magnet.

big b

Once again, thanks to everyone for the help. ;D