Was the debris on the outer or inner plug?
The sooner you tear into it the cheaper it will be. If a bearing is failing and you run it until it fails then you will be replacing gears, shafts and possibly housings.
This is a fairly simple job requiring no special tooling.
Thanks for replys I would be having someone do repairs I didnt know about outer or inner plug I took big plug at bottom inside off had fine metal shavings I stuck finger inside hole can feel small bits of metal and finger came out silver kind like when you get antizieze on your hands. Dont really know how to post picts. Just wanting worst case pricing estimate if everything gears bearings and housing are bad, trying to avoid sticker shock just the way my luck goes.
"Anti-sieze-looking" paste is normal wear, particles that you can feel on your fingers are not......... I took big plug at bottom inside off had fine metal shavings I stuck finger inside hole can feel small bits of metal and finger came out silver kind like when you get antizieze on your hands. Dont really know how to post picts.
There is a thread somewhere about how to post photos. I suggest you have a look at it and post a photo or two if you need anything more than uninformed opinion about what your failure might be.
I have a question instead of an answer. What is the easiest way to remove the final drive from a D5 Cat?
The easiest way is to have someone do it for you.
To remove it, split track and just unbolt it from the frame. The pinion is still attached to the frame and can also be removed if needed.
Do you need to disassemble it?