I picked one up from the junkyard, took the cover off to give it a look over before I install it. There is this pin that, at first I though it was a needle bearing, but its just part of the... not sure what its called? The part bolted down there. Is this just something the factory forgot to brake off the casting or what? Anyway I tried poking at it and it wont budge its just part of the casting? Or am I supposed to press it back into that part?
Also is that a unusually large amount of shims in there? Otherwise the diff seems fine to my inexperience eyes.

 

Can't say what that is, it's a machined cylinder, so not part left over from casting

 

Oh uhhhh, I just found out it has the taper on the ends! Its a level II rear!

Is it sacrilege if I put it on my 2.3?

 

That would mean it "might be" a Torsen limited slip, so uses gears not clutch discs

Have a read here: https://www.therangerstation.com/tec...8-8-inch-axle/

 

Mine has the synthetic oil tag! Not the same V311A code tho?

 

I have never seen that sticking out of any bearing cap. It looks like a needle bearing let loose somewhere and got stuck there, but can't tell for sure.

 

Can you take a picture of the whole differential?

 

Only have this pic for now can get more next weekend.