I did post this in the 'drivetrain' section last night, but I thought I'd post it in here as well to get some extra insight....

I had to replace two leaky axle seals I had last night and while I had the rear end apart, I noticed this....

http://www.nd.edu/~jrose2/gears.jpg

That doesn't look normal to me. Is this gonna be tough to fix?? I've never actually torn apart the carrier before. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I had chipped mine like that. Never gave me a problem and that was on there for close to 70K before changing the rear diff and gears. Had I not know I'd still be driving so I don't know how long ago it happened but the car ran fine. Either get a new diff or through it back in there.

 

Okay...but this looks kind of serious, no? Any other ideas?