Cracked my 8.8 Diff Cover

[FDSingh]

Hello,

On Sunday, I noticed underneath my diff a pool of fluid and upon closer inspection, found a crack in the cover. I'm unsure of how this was caused, as I have not done any hard driving, launching, tracking, etc. Photo of crack attached.

Setup:
8.8 IRS
Ford T2 diff in Cobra housing/cover
Samberg mount
Royal Purple

The fluid is all grey, as if there are metal particles in it. Upon removal of the drain plug, I found the two tiny pieces in the attached photo.

It's likely something inside is damaged. Initially, I was going to inspect inside and order a new gear set/rebuild kit along with a stronger cover (like a LPW or Ford Racing cover). However, I've realized that these covers will not be compatible with the Samberg brace, as they have a protruding section that would interfere.

I'm looking on advice on what action I should take and how. I'm also not sure on what the best way to go about removing the diff is - if I should remove the Samberg mounts or just try to remove the diff.

Thanks for reading,
Singh

[radiomike]

That looks as though it has been hit from the inside, something like a crown wheel bolt falling out.  You will need to drop the entire pumpkin to see what has happened, once you have the car raised it takes about an hour.

Did you add a drain bung or was it factory, ours did not have one?

[FDSingh]

Bung is on their originally.