dana 44 axles

I pulled my axle shaft on my tapered dana 44. Inside the axle tubes, there was a bit of small pieces of surface rust. Should I be concerned?

 

I guess my question is... should there be gear oil in a tappered dana 44 axle tube? or does it stay in the diff?

 

There is no seal to separate the carrier section of a rear model 44 from the axle tubes;
therefore lubricant can migrate into the tubes.
If you have rust evidence inside the tubes it is likely a sign that the tubes were underwater at some point.
It is also possible that the breather holes located at the outermost rear of the tubes have been plugged with dirt and this can allow condensation to form in the tubes.
Preferably the tubes should be wire brushed clean on the inside with a large plumbers wirebrish using a homemade long reach crank handle.
Then lightly coat the inside of the tubes with grease to retard future rust flaking.
Dirt and rust are the mechanics #1 and #2 enemies. So lets keep that out of the carrier section by cleaning. The wheel bearing is sealed at the axle shaft.