Original owner 2003 Discovery 2. 83000 miles. Decided to resurrect this vehicle from the dead after it has been sitting for a few years. Bought a 2003 donor vehicle (78000 miles) for the engine and what ever else I may need later. So swap went well nice having a motor that the cylinder sleeves aren't making a racket. Original motor block finally let go and coolant was getting to cylinder 4.
So I have started to drive truck to make sure everything is good. Decided to change the gear oil in the front and rear differential. Did rear first, observed metallic paste in the oil but nothing chunky. Front seemed to have more metallic paste then rear. But I did find what I believe to be a broken Spring Pin - Differential carrier bearing lock ring.
So now what and how bad is it? From pictures I have been able to see online it looks like this pin just sits in one of the lock ring notches, i guess keeping it from spinning off? Would love some insight. Is pulling the front differential in my near future?
Thanks for the help. Been using the forum for years thought I was a member but site said otherwise so first post! lol

 

Stray parts in a diff is never a nice thing, but replacing them is not a big deal. They're not very expensive and are easy to come by.

 

Thanks for that Mullusc. I guess I'm wondering how free spinning that lock ring is without the spring pin to hold it in place. I did come across a video with some guy rebuilding a differential and the tolerances look pretty tight. If that thing is moving a can see this getting out of sync in a hurry. Of course I have no idea how long it has been like this. Maybe this it that clunk sound I hear when stepping on or off the accelerator? You know the one that is said to be kinda normal. But I think mine maybe worst then the normal. I guess no choice but to open and see.