98/99 Rear axle differences - locked vs unlocked

[Qtonic]

I've read some rear axle swap reports where a 98/99 locked rear axle was swapped to a later model with VSC, etc. There are some differences but it can be done with an added bracket for extra brake lines, as I recall.

My questions here is about the differences in the axle between a locked and unlocked 98/99 to another 98/99.

I see the part number for the axle is different between the two. Both unlocked and LSD are the same. Locked is different. I'm wondering about using a locked third member while keeping my current axle (it's nice and clean). Anyone know if it's just a minor difference like a bracket for wiring or something? Looking at all other parts the only thing I notice different is the right hand shaft, which I'd also swap if this would work. I'd use the slee controller to activate it.

 

[nukegoat]

I've read some rear axle swap reports where a 98/99 locked rear axle was swapped to a later model with VSC, etc. There are some differences but it can be done with an added bracket for extra brake lines, as I recall.

My questions here is about the differences in the axle between a locked and unlocked 98/99 to another 98/99.

I see the part number for the axle is different between the two. Both unlocked and LSD are the same. Locked is different. I'm wondering about using a locked third member while keeping my current axle (it's nice and clean). Anyone know if it's just a minor difference like a bracket for wiring or something? Looking at all other parts the only thing I notice different is the right hand shaft, which I'd also swap if this would work. I'd use the slee controller to activate it.

The additional brake lines and crap have to do with ATRAC. Assuming it's still pre-ATRAC, I'd think that the only difference is the addition of the locker wiring.

 

[Seth7843]

I've read some rear axle swap reports where a 98/99 locked rear axle was swapped to a later model with VSC, etc. There are some differences but it can be done with an added bracket for extra brake lines, as I recall.

My questions here is about the differences in the axle between a locked and unlocked 98/99 to another 98/99.

I see the part number for the axle is different between the two. Both unlocked and LSD are the same. Locked is different. I'm wondering about using a locked third member while keeping my current axle (it's nice and clean). Anyone know if it's just a minor difference like a bracket for wiring or something? Looking at all other parts the only thing I notice different is the right hand shaft, which I'd also swap if this would work. I'd use the slee controller to activate it.

Did you ever swap out the locked axle into your 98 Lx470?

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Locked third member will fit in the hole on a non-locked axle, with two important exceptions:
1) You will need to notch the whole to make additional clearance for the locking fork
2) One of the side axles (can't remember clearly but was probably the right hand side one) is longer and with longer splines for the locked set up.

I took the whole locked rear end from a 99 LC and swapped into my 99 LX. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

[Seth7843]

Locked third member will fit in the hole on a non-locked axle, with two important exceptions:
1) You will need to notch the whole to make additional clearance for the locking fork
2) One of the side axles (can't remember clearly but was probably the right hand side one) is longer and with longer splines for the locked set up.

I took the whole locked rear end from a 99 LC and swapped into my 99 LX. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Thanks for the reply. I'm looking at possibly doing the same thing (whole axle assembly) with my 1998 LX. Was the swap a straight forward swap besides the wiring for the locker? Are 98-99 LX's wired for the locker already? It looked like there was the wiring harness for the locker switch behind the blank switch panel where the switch would go on a Land Cruiser.

 

[ClassyJalopy]

Yes, the swap is straight forward!
There are mixed news about the wiring being all there. The plug for the locking ECU is right there by the passenger right foot and the locking switch plug is also present as you noticed.
Some have claimed that the actual locker wiring harness is also tucked up under the truck.
I just got a full plug n play harness from the Low Range Offroad, made it super easy.

 

[Mauser]

Yes, the swap is straight forward!
There are mixed news about the wiring being all there. The plug for the locking ECU is right there by the passenger right foot and the locking switch plug is also present as you noticed.
Some have claimed that the actual locker wiring harness is also tucked up under the truck.
I just got a full plug n play harness from the Low Range Offroad, made it super easy.

I did the same thing. With the Low Range Off Road harness you press the top of the switch and it is locked. You press the bottom of it and it unlocks. Works great. My 98 LX didn't have the harness from the frame to the locker actuator and they are impossible to find for the LX.