Re def lock (1 Viewer)

[khayatt]

Hi,

Bought a 1997 LC80 with 500 K on it. The plate at door show it has 5 speed MT and def locks. When I looked under the car the axle seem to be a non def lock axle, but the electronics and wiring are there (but no connected to def).

My question, how can I know (without opening the def) if I need a full locked axle swap or just replace the def with a locked one?

 

[NeverFinis]

The locking differentials have mounting surfaces for the locking actuators. Non-locking housings can be modified to accept factory locking differentials. Front is harder than the rear. There are topics covering the conversion, for example this post

 

[khayatt]

The locking differentials have mounting surfaces for the locking actuators. Non-locking housings can be modified to accept factory locking differentials. Front is harder than the rear. There are topics covering the conversion, for example this post

View attachment 3847714

Thanks for the reply. I’m sure that the front part connected with drive shaft is non locked as per my picture. My question is more toward the back side of the def (connected to tires) can I till if It has the notch allowing the locked def actuator (without opening the def)?

 

[khayatt]

Thanks for the reply. I’m sure that the front part connected with drive shaft is non locked as per my picture. My question is more toward the back side of the def (connected to tires) can I till if It has the notch allowing the locked def actuator (without opening the def)?

 

[NeverFinis]

I see.

It might be hard because the gasket between the two diffs are very close....

You could pull the right axle to see if it has the additional splines. My guess is they would have swapped that out too..

Check these two circled studs. Do they look the same age as the others? They would have swapped out the longer studs for shorter studs.

 

[BILT4ME]

View attachment 3847735

Because this is NOT a USA truck, there re other options such as a Limited Slip Rear axle.

What is the axle code on the VIN plate?
K292 is open
K294 is electric actuated
K295 is limited slip (I think)