O-ring?

I recently picked up a D44 out of an '87, tore into it and it has for lack of any other description, large o-rings (about 3/8" thick) between the carrier bearings and the axle tube. My guess would be to control oil flow. I've looked on Dana's website along with numerous others on their exploded views and parts breakdowns, and have not been able to find pictures of these or a parts listing. I've never seen these before in a housing.

Are they available anywhere, or are they even needed when rebuilding this diff? One is torn in half and it looks like they have been installed and repaired before with silicone.:huh:

Its left-over RTV from the factory assembly of the axle. Throw it away ,,, and continue on...

That's what i was wondering. Thanks so much.