4WD differential oil in pickups/utes

[dennis52]

Just bought a second hand 2005 4WD diesel pickup ute with 100,000 miles on it. Seemed in very good condition and this was backed up by my mechanics pre purchase inspection.
I have just completed a major service on it including changing all oils, fluids and filters.
Everything came up nice and clean however one thing puzzled me.
The front wheel drive diff, which operates only when it is engaged at the transfer case, had some metal glitter in the oil.
To me it looked similar to the oil in my tractor's gearbox after the initial 50 hr first change

Now I am very confident this vehicle has spent little time with the front diff actually engaged (ie in 4WD mode).
I am thinking that maybe what I am seeing is a differential with some of the initial manufacturing throw offs still in it.
Seals and bearings seem ok.
Any thoughts ?

 

[MBTRAC]

Maybe nothing other than to initial bedding in of the diff, though I would have expected the oil to have been changed/metal flushed prior to 100000kms.

With reputedly limited 4WD use, may also be indicative of axle/diff wind up from driving with the 4wd/diff lock engaged on hard surfaces (i.e formed roads & sometimes hard packed sand can do it)....if there's no whine/graunching diff noise currently probably not a great concern.

What's the model/make of the ute ? c.mid 2000's- 4x4 Mazda Bravo's/Ford Couriers (or were they called Rangers then?) often used to have metal in the front diff oil evident at every change with no ill effects....

 

[dennis52]

Maybe nothing other than to initial bedding in of the diff, though I would have expected the oil to have been changed/metal flushed prior to 100000kms.

With reputedly limited 4WD use, may also be indicative of axle/diff wind up from driving with the 4wd/diff lock engaged on hard surfaces (i.e formed roads & sometimes hard packed sand can do it)....if there's no whine/graunching diff noise currently probably not a great concern.

What's the model/make of the ute ? c.mid 2000's- 4x4 Mazda Bravo's/Ford Couriers (or were they called Rangers then?) often used to have metal in the front diff oil evident at every change with no ill effects....

Thanks MBTRAC. It's a RA Rodeo

 

[CNC Dan]

if its a LSD it might just be the friction modifier additive.

 

[Soundguy]

i'd flush the sump with some diesel.. throw in some approved lube.. cheap if possible. drive another 1k on it and drain and look. if ok.. go back with a good approved lube.. 75w90 syn if it's approved.. and let her fly.

 

[dennis52]

Thanks guys, very helpful. It's not a LSD but LSD oil could have been put in it (that's exactly what I used as I had the leftover oil from refilling the rear diff, which is LSD).
I'll drain the oil again in awhile and see what's in the brew.