'99 LC w/ Inoperable Rear Locking Diff

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Joined
Feb 10, 2015
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Hey folks...back again with yet another pre-purchase question. Found a gorgeous '99 w/ 90K miles in terrific shape with only one drawback. The dealer says the rear locking diff is inoperable. Should I run? Can someone please describe the relative importance of this in layman's terms? Thanks again - terrific forum.
 
I don't know how they know; They're in MI (undercarriage looks great) and I'm in MA.
 
Sometimes they take a minute to activate if they havent been used in a long time. I would go test drive, put in low and activate locker. Drive a few figure-8's and see if it locks.
 
If not exercised for a long time, they can appear to be inoperable. They need to be cycled to keep the actuator from getting slow to respond.
 
I don't. Other than that, it looks to be in really nice shape for its age despite being a northern vehicle its entire life.
 
All things considered, if that's the only flaw, should I still consider it? Is it a major thing? The extent of my off-roading would be getting to hiking trailheads and various dirt roads in hunting country, no modding or anything.
 
If as clean as described, price is right, only "potential" flaw, and for how you plan to drive you would most likely never use it anyway. As for operation - if not a landcruiser owner/tech good chance they don't know the rear diff lock only works when the transfer case is in low. And as stated if not used for a long time need to slowly drive it around a bit to get to engage. Best done on a dirt road so you can make some s-turns. A major no-no on asphalt as both the rear and center diff's will be locked at that point and you could start breaking things if not careful.

Good luck with the purchase - 90k on that truck means it has barely been broken in. I would ask about timing belt/water pump service as about do. If not done and you can do it yourself use as a bargaining tool on the price or plan on the $600-$800 for shop/dealer to do it.
 
Awesome guys thanks so much. Such a great source of wisdom this site is.
 
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