Metal sticks in front diff

Hey guys, need some help/insight to this problem I’M having atm.
Just replaced a driver-side torn boot cv axle and noticed that gear oil was leaking from the axle the next day. Thought maybe the diff seal went bad, so went to buy one to replace. Took front diff drain plug off and found toothpick sized metal pipes on the plug(pics down below). Am I fked? Idk.
Here is more info on why I might have fked up. So Ive been driving with the torn boot for almost half a year now, no offroading, but last week decided to take it offroading before changing the axle. Tried going up a steep hill, but didnt make it. So when I got back home, I noticed the axle popped out of the diff and so I replaced the axle and now am faced with my current situation. Last time I changed my front differential oil was about 30k ago and everything looked good. Couple questions, where did the metal pipes come from, and should i flush to see if theres still more inside.
Truck is a 2013 tacoma trd or 4wd. 122k.

 

That drain pan looks like sausage gravy….

 

Thats the needle bearing

 

those look like they're from a grenaded OEM needle bearing

 

Needle bearing left the chat*

3” lift?

 

Im no expert...but that fluid looks Milky

 

Hose that sucker down inside with about 3 cans of brake cleaner and after each 1/2 can, insert a magnet on a flexible rod [as strong a one as you can get] from the bottom and the axle side and hope you clean them all out.

Then pray mightily that good fortune visits you and your front diff.

 

Yup

 

This is the perfect opportunity to get the ECGS bushing, I guess.

 

Step 1, Buy an ECGS bushing.
step 2. Buy the removal tool when you buy the bushing.
Step 3. Pray.
Step 4. Fish out what you can with a magnet.
Step 5. Pray some more.
Step 6. Install bushing
Step 7. Pray again.

The front differential is a bear to mess with.
It’s heavy. It’s also not user friendly to rebuild.
And a drop in unit is expensive.

 

Ya, I will try this and pray.

 

My pan had old oil in it, that's why you see the oil stains up top. But still pretty nasty stuff.

 

Wow I’ve never seen anything like that lol
Good luck OP!

 

Not sure if I’d trust splines on the end of the CV half shaft to retain that clip anymore.. new shaft too or at least inner cup.. when you “swapped boots” do you mean a new shaft? I’m wondering if you didn’t get the CV axle fully back in

 

Whole new shaft. I think while trying to go up the hill, my axle might have fallen loose and I was still 4wheeling for a bit. This might have sheared off the bearings.

 

buy the removal, install tools and a new seal. alittle cost but both will save you money and the seal is a good measure. you can install the new seal with a 2.5-3" pvc pipe cap.. cant remember which one but easy to find at home depot and easy to set a seal with

 

Yup just purchased them except for the seal. I already got one from Oreilys. $150 ecgs removal and installer.

 

Was it lifted? This seems to be the beginning of the end for the old needle bearings and the advent of the ECGS bushing.

 

...or the artist formerly known as.....