Thinking about a rear axle swap on my 99 LX (1 Viewer)

[thebeedeegee]

I've been looking into swapping a rear axle from a locked 99 land cruiser into my 99 LX470. I've found a couple of them for sale in nearby salvage yards. I was looking for any advice from people that may have done it ( I already got some advice from Bama4door, thanks a lot for that)

So far it looks like I need the following:

-Complete rear axle assembly with locker (~$500 to $700)
-Wiring harness ($179) I found this one HERE, and the guy says I don't need the locker ECU for it? What does the ECU do? Couldn't I just wire it to an OEM switch?
-Slee control box (if needed) $89
-OEM locker switch (~$80) Should I just use some aftermart switch instead?


Anything I missed? Anyone have any input or advice for getting this done?

 

[JohnnyUtah2]

Interested!

 

[ikarus]

I want to say @ClassyJalopy did one?

 

[GTV]

Sorry I don’t have advice for you but I was actually searching for the Slee control box last night and couldn’t find a current link. Anyone have it?

 

[thebeedeegee]

Sorry I don’t have advice for you but I was actually searching for the Slee control box last night and couldn’t find a current link. Anyone have it?

Slee Off Road - Toyota Off Road Specialist

Slee Off Road is a Toyota and Lexus 4WD Off Road specialist. USA manufacturer, retailer and installer since 1998. Expert knowledgeable outfitting staff.

sleeoffroad.com

its listed under "circuit boards"

 

[ClassyJalopy]

I want to say @ClassyJalopy did one?

Yes. I swapped a locked axle from a 99 LC intomy 98 LX. Everything fits directly.
The LowRangeOffroad harness you linkedabove is what I used. It eliminates the need for any ecu or other switches.
On one end you just supply power and ground and on the other it plugs into the locker and sensor. It even has a breather tube included!
The switch lights up when the locker is engaged.

Let me know if you need any pictures

 

[Mauser]

I've got a complete rear end sitting outside my garage that I keep wanting to install on my 98 LX. If the mud would dry out I would swap it out.

I found this schematic online. Has anybody here used this for a controller?

 

[thebeedeegee]

Yes. I swapped a locked axle from a 99 LC intomy 98 LX. Everything fits directly.
The LowRangeOffroad harness you linkedabove is what I used. It eliminates the need for any ecu or other switches.
On one end you just supply power and ground and on the other it plugs into the locker and sensor. It even has a breather tube included!
The switch lights up when the locker is engaged.

Let me know if you need any pictures

Wow awesome thanks man. I may be asking for some help later. Right now I'm waiting on a local junkyard to inspect one to be sure it actually has the rear locker. Then I may just go pick it up.....my wife is not going to be pleased

 

[thebeedeegee]

What do you think about this level of rust? 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Rear Axle Assembly-Stock# 02874564

I'm having trouble finding a reputable looking axle. A lot of them are 2002 LX's that say "with rear differential lock" knowing that the LX didn't come with one it makes me suspect of a lot of these listings that don't show the actual switch in the dash. I think a lot of these yards just see the center lock switch and think that means it has a rear diff lock

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

That is just surface rust.

You can wire wheel and paint the axle before installation.

What do you think about this level of rust? 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Rear Axle Assembly-Stock# 02874564

I'm having trouble finding a reputable looking axle. A lot of them are 2002 LX's that say "with rear differential lock" knowing that the LX didn't come with one it makes me suspect of a lot of these listings that don't show the actual switch in the dash. I think a lot of these yards just see the center lock switch and think that means it has a rear diff lock

 

[thebeedeegee]

That is just surface rust.

You can wire wheel and paint the axle before installation.

That's kinda what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure. It's $600 with free shipping and includes the switch and wiring harness (even though I will be replacing with the aftermarket one) Seems like an OK deal to me

 

[nucleardino]

What do you think about this level of rust? 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser Rear Axle Assembly-Stock# 02874564

I'm having trouble finding a reputable looking axle. A lot of them are 2002 LX's that say "with rear differential lock" knowing that the LX didn't come with one it makes me suspect of a lot of these listings that don't show the actual switch in the dash. I think a lot of these yards just see the center lock switch and think that means it has a rear diff lock

I believe the LXs in Canada had an option for rear lockers.

You can always look at the other option of buying a locked third member and passenger side axle. You’ll need to grind away a small potion of your existing LSD housing to allow the third member to fit. You’ll also need to replace a few of the studs with longer ones to allow the third to mount properly. There are a few posts in the 100 forums outlining this process.

I was able to scavenge an ECU when I picked up my third member and axle. I ended up deciding to pick up a harness from 12voltguy.net instead. He’s pretty busy and isn’t the greatest with responding to emails so be prepared for that if you decide to use him. Other than that, he does top notch work. I still have the ECU.

You may want to replace the bearings, gaskets, seals for both the third and axle, and replace the E-brakes if needed while you’re back there.

 

[Josie'sLandCruiser]

$600 for the complete assembly shipped seems like a great deal to me. The elocker thirds usually go for $500 +

That's kinda what I was thinking, but I wasn't sure. It's $600 with free shipping and includes the switch and wiring harness (even though I will be replacing with the aftermarket one) Seems like an OK deal to me