[oarnold]

I don't see anything out of sorts there. Hard to know the history. Just because it came from TX doesn't mean it hasn't been driven in the snow belt.

Here's a pic of my rear diff area about 7 months after I bought mine off the lot, brand new.

But I don't believe I have any rust on the control arms like your pics show.

This axle stub is not painted at the factory. I asked Gary Flint about it at the 2008 meet (they are even rusty on the cut-away RL) and he said he didn't know why they were not spec'd to be painted, He thought the rust was of no significance.

The control arms? I've had quite a bit and have repainted using black engine paint. I've thought of posting, but haven't had time. Maybe later.