LX470 replacement rear end housing? (1 Viewer)

[captainfalco]

I just bought a lightly wrecked 02 LX470 for what I think is a nice price. The impact occurred under the right rear door (which still closes and seals) and it pushed the wheel/tire back about an inch due to the collision angle.

The axle and wheel are running smooth and true and there isn't any leaks or seepage from anywhere in the rear. The control arm, lateral arm, and panhard bars are all straight, as well as their mounts.

The only option I see is just replacing the whole rear end, which isn't out of my abilities. Before I go though all of the trouble though, is this able to be straightened from a body shop? Does anyone have any experience with how much this route would cost?

If it needs replacing, are there certain years I should stay away from? I see options on ebay and car-part.com for about $500-$600, which all say they fit every 98-02, but is this for sure? I would think I have to steer clear of the earlier e-lockers, since I don't really want to add any complexity to the process. This will mostly be a family vehicle, no serious off-road plans for it as of yet.

There's also an ebay listing for a brand new oem housing ($900), but that seems like a lot of extra work to swap everything over. If I can snag a good used unit, I get extra axles, diff, etc in case any of my stuff ends up being bad for whatever reason.

 

[3_puppies]

I'm not understanding the problem, no leaks, no obvious bends in the links and rods, why replace the housing?
has a frame shop checked the frame?

 

[captainfalco]

It hasn't made it to a frame shop as of yet, I'm just seeing if I can do anything before it gets to that point. I just figured it has to be the housing at this point. LR wheel is straight and centered, RR is toed out and pushed back about an inch.

Also, I think I found my answer to the compatibility of housings.
42110-60731 is the part number for 98-07 LX470, except for 99 (42110-60730), and 00-07 LC, so my potential search just got easier.

 

[3_puppies]

It hasn't made it to a frame shop as of yet, I'm just seeing if I can do anything before it gets to that point. I just figured it has to be the housing at this point. LR wheel is straight and centered, RR is toed out and pushed back about an inch.

so you want to swap out the rear axle without knowing there is any other issues?

I have a hard time believing the housing is bent, without damage to other components.

 

[hoser]

If it needs replacing, are there certain years I should stay away from? I see options on ebay and car-part.com for about $500-$600, which all say they fit every 98-02, but is this for sure? I would think I have to steer clear of the earlier e-lockers, since I don't really want to add any complexity to the process. This will mostly be a family vehicle, no serious off-road plans for it as of yet.

All LC/LX complete rear axles will work 98-02... even with LSD or a locker. You can opt to not wire up the locker and it won't be in the way. 98-99 (non-vsc) might require the brake lines on your current axle to be swapped over. 03-07 axles will also work.... however, the gear ratio is different (4.1:1) and so your differential would need to be swapped over.

 

[gatormark91]

I doubt the rear end is the issue if everything works well. Photos?

 

[nvbeepat]

Have any photos? I have a full set of LX470 tail lights and a rear hatch with Lexus glass (rare) in NYC if you are interested.

 

[abuck99]

Have you put it on an alignment rack to know where its tweaked?

 

[captainfalco]

Hard to tell anything here, but strut, arms and ds are looking good.

This is the RR side. Looks to be angled back.

Compared to the LR side, which is straight.

I took the axle out to take a look inside. There is some damage on the inside of the housing right around where the welds are at. Also, In this pic the axle is lined up straight inside the differential, but those studs are about 3/4 off of lining up to the holes. Also explains why it was so difficult to pull out.

 

[captainfalco]

It's going on the alignment rack in the next couple days just to get a baseline of how far things are out. I just had some extra time yesterday, which is why I took the axle out to inspect.

I have little history on this vehicle as I bought it from copart, but I did see that it has a Lexus battery from last year, and a current oil change reminder on the windshield from the Lexus dealer. Timing belt was done at 92k as per the sticker on the timing cover. Seems to be well taken care of.

 

[3_puppies]

I see what you are saying, but the forces required to bend the axle housing in 10"? are extreme and to not have any other issues.
copart, was it an insurance company? or who was the owner?

 

[nukegoat]

Yes that rear axle is bent. You can have my 04 housing for free if you can get it somehow

 

[captainfalco]

I appreciate the offer, I doubt I'll ever take you up on it though.