I just bought a 93 silverado,110,000 miles, which was leaking oil from the seals on the front diff. I drained it to replace with new and the oil that came out was silver/grey in color. No big flakes but a billion tiny tiny specks of silver in the oil. There is no grinding and everything seems to work fine, should I worry? If the front diff gives out I'll still be able to drive in 2hi right? Thanks for helping the noob!

 

idk man, maybe the oil has never been replaced.
you shouldve seen the oil in my dads ol john deere when he changed it to run synthetic. it was silver too. and thats motor oil
and yes since in 2wd hi your front driveshaft isnt turning you can still drive normally

 

This is normal wear and tear! As long as you have no big chunks and no abnormal wear on the ring an pinion you should be fine!

 

some fine shavings are ok, if its burnt smelling and goopy silver you have a problem.
when the oil just looks swirly in your drain pan when you mix it around i wouldnt worry at all. push up and down on the front axles at the diff and make sure theres no slop in the bearings, if the 4x4 works, nothing groans, whines,makes sparks or spits parts out on the ground you should be good.

 

Thanks for the replies. It wasn't just a few small shavings, It was like silver car paint! Not burnt or foul smelling and its mostly quiet, and works smooth so I'll flush it and forget it.
The seals that are leaking I believe are the pitman seals(where the axles meet the front diff)? Are these pretty easy to change out, like no special tools required- I could do it in a day kind of thing? Thanks...