2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission shiny gray particles on rear diff. magnetic plug

[BillWDX]

I currently own a 2001 2500 CTD 2500 6 spd. with 92,500 miles. While servicing the rear diff. sometime back I noticed an accumlication of shiny gray particles clinging to the magnet of the plug. I dropped the diff. cover to find more of the same in the bottom of the housing. (no large chunks). I cleaned everything out, refilled the unit with synthetic 90 wt. and put several thousand miles on the truck. After checking the plug again, I have found a small amount on the magnetic plug. The gear oil looks very clean. Is this common wear in these rears? I have always used synthetic gear lubes with good luck. I am getting ready to take a 2000 mile trip in the truck and don't want any break downs.

Any help or comments would be appreciated.

Thank you

 

[seafish]

A small amount of metal particles on the drain plug is completely normal.
By small, I would suggest less then the circumference of a dime if you smear them out on a piece of paper

 

[Bob4x4]

One of the advantages of the maghitec diff cover is the way the magnetic dipstick is in the flow path of the fluid,catching most of the wear particles.