Font differential plug

I'm changing out my front differential oil on a 2000 Taco, which hasn't been done in probably too long. When I removed the drain plug there was what looked like a silver/grey wax at the end of the plug that was magnetized to the end of the plug. Is this just shavings that happen over time mixed w the oil or is there some type of grease/anti seize used to keep the plug from getting stuck? Not a mechanic so I want to make sure I'm doing all that is required before I put it all back together... The haynes manual does not say much about the front differential.

Are the shavings normal? I didn't notice any in the rear differential nor did I notice that the rear plug was magnetized either....

Thanks for any insight.

 

If the particles were all very fine then yes, it is normal. I just changed the front differential on my 2000 Tacoma last week and it looked exactly the same.

Rear diff also has a magnetic plug, torque converter does not

 

Thanks for the confirmation. I'm going to change it again in a couple months to see if there is the same amount of shavings.

 

Hey, at least you were able to get yours out .....

 

That's what I was thinking. Sometimes they can be a real bitch to get out.

 

Actually lucky I guess, it came out pretty easy. Hope that's the same next time