2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Metal in LSD front end

[JHastings]

Was changing my oil today and did the usual check of the front and rear end to see if they needed gear oil. When I pulled the front dipstick on my front end (maghytec) there was a couple of pieces of metal about and inch or more in length stuck to the magnet. Don't know if they were pieces of shims, but they were twisted up and nasty looking. I do have a LSD that the PO put in. I think I know what it might be though. I have a 2 low switch and it does grab a bit on the front end when I am using it. I guess since it is a LSD I really have 3 low huh? What would you do in my scenario. The front end makes no noise 4wd works fine. I do not need a LSD b/c I don't pull sleds. Think the front end is shot or on its way out? Do I take it apart? Would it be worth it to remove the LSD and put it back to an open diff. Whats involved in that? I am ignorant as far differentals go, but I do know that it is difficult to set them up as far as shimming them goes. Any advise would be appreciated here. TIA

 

[jkalchik]

I think I'd take that cover off and drain the oil through a fine screen to catch any bits coming out.

 

[JHastings]

Well I drained the diff and took the cover off. It looks like it was a shim or a seal that got ground up in the gears. Deffinately not a heavy piece of metal though like pieces of a ring gear or anything. infact we looked and looked and could not see where the shim or seal came from, so I put it back together and am just going to call it good. Thanks for the advise.

 

[jkalchik]

That's still not good. There are 3 shaft seals, as well as the shims on the diff setup to worry about. Even if it's a non critical piece, the bits have ended up between your gears as well as potentially inside your bearings.



Any chance you took pics of the bits?



I guess if it were me (and the gears still looked good,) I'd consider getting a master install kit (all new bearings and seals) and having the gears re-set up.



In any event, I'd certainly be pulling that dipstick out pretty frequently over the next couple of months. If you lost a seal, you'll still be losing oil.

 

[CHornsby]

In any event, I'd certainly be pulling that dipstick out pretty frequently over the next couple of months. If you lost a seal, you'll still be losing oil.

Probably the best advice right there if you aren't going to take preventative measures against whatever piece ya gnawed up.