Thanks guys for the support, but I'm still disgusted with myself for making such an expensive mistake. Although it could have been worse (like on the pavement at 60 mph!)
Here's what the ring gear looks like. Definite wear front and back. In fact it looks like the pattern slid right off the inside of the gear (probably as the bearing got looser). No metal flakes anywhere, but I can't turn the pinion with my bare hand so its bearing is obviously melted. Ring gear backlash isn't horrible - haven't put a dial indicator on it yet.
View attachment 1715438276 View attachment 1715438277 What do you think?
