Chunks in rear diff

I was changing diff fluid the other day and found some decent sized pieces on the magnet in my rear diff. I forgot to take some pics as I was kinda in a hurry. The largest one was probably half the size of a grain of rice. The fluids color was normal and didn’t smell any different than usual. Everything operates as it should, no clunks or weird sounds coming from it. Should I piece together another third member for when this one explodes? Or should it be ok for a while? Any opinions appreciated

 

Are you sure it wasn't just leftover machining bits? I have seen where some people had some leftover machining shavings in theirs, if the fluid was clean with no glitter and there's no noises I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Ditto here!

 

Sounds Normal.

You wouldn’t be the first to see it.
These weren’t from my truck, but they were from 2 different Tacoma trucks.

 

If the oil was not like glitter I wouldn't be so concerned. Bearing issues generally give you glitter, gears and diff case issues will give you chunks.

 

Thanks for the advice. I won’t worry about it too much. I plan on re gearing in the future so hopefully it holds out till then

 

The rear differential is pretty tough in these trucks.
You can run them low on fluid and they still just keep going.
If there wasn’t any glitter, you’re good

 

Great avatar! Haha

 

For those wondering what you're seeing: The 3 large rounds bits are from when a hole is drilled and punches through the material, the twirly bit is likely also from drilling, but could be from tapping said hole.