Archived Metal in Dana 80 Differential

[Garyd]

Truck is a 1995 4x4 turbo diesel one owner 131000 original miles well maintained .Only used synthetic lube since new.
In the process of swapping stock for Magtech differential covers found a coil of metal about 1/8" by 3/8"(if unraveled) on the magnet of my Dana 80 (rear).
I found little else apart from the usual fines and not much of them. Oil smelled and looked clean. No leaks no noise.
Truck is apart and I live in the boonies . I am stuck with out my truck but I'm not sure if I should just lube her up
and go, periodically checking for more metal or do not pass go and get it directly to a shop. Ring and pinion looked ok. Bearing face maybe?

To run or not to run
That is the question

Thanks' for reading

 

[GAmes]

I say drive it. The Mag-hytek cover has a magnet on the dipstick (I think) for easy checking. My D80 is the only thing in the powertrain that is original. 131k is hardly broke in.

 

[GrantP]

Considering that you've given it a good visual inspection and the absence of any other symptoms I would be inclined to run it too.

 

[Garyd]

Thanks' for the considerations.I will run it. I will also keep an ear out for a howl or chatter and check it again down the road. The dealer I spoke to advised me
there are no parts to rebuild the carrier and clutch pack just a replacement$$$$$$$$
TDR readers are the bomb!

 

[GAmes]

The dealer is mistaken, there are plenty of sources for parts. He isn't one of them.

 

[Joe Mc]

Yes Dealer is looking for quick $$$ at your cost = he buys rebuilt or new unit and "hopefully" get is set up correctly in your housing and hits you hard in the wallet. Drive that sucker a D80 is one stout unit. Check it after a while tho. My guess on the spiral metal...a shim peeled a bit??? If there's no other apparent metal such as slivers, chunks you're fine - typical to see, somewhat due to regular wear, would be dust sized metal-flake. MHO.

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

The metal is probably part of a shim. If you do anything, start with checking preload on the carrier. In that time frame, Dana went from the old .010" preload shimming to about .003" and after use, it could go to zero or even let the carrier go back and forth. i like to check and get about .005" preload with shims--they go under the bearing inner race on the carrier.