Is my rear diff shot?

[Avionixx]

I noticed my rear right axle seal was leaking precious fluid on my parking spaces so I decided to get an OEM seal and replace it. I actually already replaced it a few weeks ago except with an aftermarket seal and figured maybe it went bad or wasn't installed properly.

Anyway, I get the axle out and I noticed what looked like the carrier bearing had A LOT of metal shavings seemingly welded onto it. It's hard to describe so I took some pics of it.

http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/diff1.jpg
http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/diff2.jpg
http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/diff3.jpg
http://www.rreactor.com/gallery/diff4.jpg

Coincidentally I also notice a scraping/hissing noise coming from that area when driving over 10MPH. It's actually been doing that since I got the car, but the funny part is that I never noticed the metal shavings when I first replaced the seal. WTF

Would this be a good excuse to get a 4bolt rear end?

 

[meliketoball]

Would this be a good excuse to get a 4bolt rear end?

YES!

 

[Avionixx]

I actually just swapped in a 4bolt setup this weekend and while the nasty scraping noise is gone, I now have grease splattered all over the undercarriage because one of the axles had a tear that I didn't notice.