After dropping and inspecting the pan, there's a very fine collection of gray matter settled on the bottom of the pan. Is this normal wear or potentially something more serious? I have about 80k miles on it and she's driving fine. The fluid looks good, but smells a bit burnt.

 

probably off the clutches
if its real fine
Id have it flushed and change it again once you get across the country

 

Thanks. Yeah it's really fine, I can't feel it on the fingers and it takes a while to settle out of the fluid.

 

Sounds like normal wear...

 

I hope its safe to make the trip
It may be a good idea to throw the stock stall in there...
keep down heat since youre gonna be towing

 

If its a light misting across the bottom of the pan, I would consider it normal. If its a thick layer, it indicates a problem.