This weekend was service time and as I was greasing the rear drivshaft, I looked forward and noticed that the front diff is real rusty at the spindles/u-joints/knuckles area. I was the same pattern on both sides, but the rest of the diff seems to be pretty much rust free. Is this normal or could this area be overheating?

I havn't noticed any noise up there - other than that good diesel rattle. The front end is all tight. I did pull the diff fill plug to check the level and all was good.

Any other thoughts guys? Thanks.

 

Mines real rusty also, I was kind of surprised. Don't forget to lube the front drive shaft.

 

Yep, got that. Did you get your keys out OK?

 

I was rinsing off the salt under the truck and noticed that rust. The factory apparently doesn't apply paint on those parts. My drive shaft and u-joints are rusty as well. Around here oil undercoating is used to preserve our trucks but it also builds up and attracts dirt. I think a better paint job on the under side of things would go a long way towards preventing rust.

 

Hard to prevent rust when they dont paint the parts...

Mine were rusty new

 

It was my son but he managed to get in. He drove a screwdriver into the passenger door lock and turned it with a wrench. New lock $84 not keyed. Not having a $2 door key taped up underneath.

 

I'm glad I can't get out of my truck without my keys - I know what would happen....