Sparkles in oil when servicing diff

[OCJeepGirl]

2002 Wrangler X 4.0 manual.
Have a hum from the front and going through the steps to diagnose.
Checked diff oil level (Dana 30) and it was dark so decided to to change it. Looked dark but clear as it drained but had a shimmer when I looked at it in the
drain pan. No chunks or shavings thank goodness. Rubbed some of the oil between my fingers and could not feel any grittiness.
Last changed to oil only 5K miles ago. Filled with Valvoline 75/140. Level was full when opened today.
Not a mechanic but gears look good to me. The only area that felt off was passenger side between the carrier and the housing because I don't remember the
shiny part being like that. Diff is stock, never been worked on except for oil changes.
Still apart if additional pics needed.

How concerned should I be??
J

 

[Gilaguy23]

Could be the pic or my eyes, but It looks likes burrs hanging off the ring gear in places in pic 1. Have you tried to move the carrier left/right and check for slop? hows the pinion gear look? You try spinning each wheel independently and check for a bad unit bearing? IMO noises travel all over jeeps and it can be hard to really tell where their from. If you took a magnet and moved it around the bottom of your drain pan how much metallic lookin crap do you get? Some is normal but if it was cleaned 5K ago I wouldn't expect much if any really. Newer gear set perhaps???

 

[OCJeepGirl]

Could be the pic or my eyes, but It looks likes burrs hanging off the ring gear in places in pic 1. Have you tried to move the carrier left/right and check for slop? hows the pinion gear look? You try spinning each wheel independently and check for a bad unit bearing? IMO noises travel all over jeeps and it can be hard to really tell where their from. If you took a magnet and moved it around the bottom of your drain pan how much metallic lookin crap do you get? Some is normal but if it was cleaned 5K ago I wouldn't expect much if any really. Newer gear set perhaps???

Pics taken immediately after spraying with brake cleaner and using shop towel to dry well at the bottom. Think it is just the pic as I ran my gloved finger over each tooth. Tooth edges had distinct edge with no burrs or sharp areas. Pinion the same as the gears.
Attempted to move everything as a unit. Zero vertical or horizontal movement. Will go back and try each individual gear.
Have oil drain pan sitting at an angle for the last 12 hours to let suspended particles settle. Will run magnet. Oil does not have any sparkles/glitter, just a shimmer.
When changed last oil was dark and clear but entire diff had black sticky film. Used brake cleaner on that and run off was much uglier than the actual oil.
Have been working with it on the ground. Will jack and feel/listen for bearings.
Was hoping not to remove carrier but realize I have to. Drat. Will have to close and fill so I can move to different location. Been working in the garage and no room to remove axles. Live in HOA. Neighbors are cool but no flat areas where I can work. Anyone know where you can rent space and work on your car near 92627??
Understand about difficulty locating noise. Mine is 2 door with soft top, hard to hear anything. Usually drive late at night and next to walls with windows down to try to hear if it is me and where the noise is coming from.
Advice much appreciated. Will update about individual gears and tire play. May take a minute. I am 60 year old broad with a socket set and a can do attitude.