mine was nicely sprinkled, ok, more like covered in metal shavings, perfectly normal... only a little bit of metal shavings show up during the 2nd,3rd, and so on with the changes..
Make sure you use lotsa anti seize on the trans bolt or it will lock up and then be a beotch to get off . you will end up ordering a new one ...{ experience }
and there is a in and out position on the filter. Read the directions CAREFULLY in the owners manual for changing this filter. Same thing with the air cleaner. There is a top and bottom.