I just dropped my car off at the LEX dealer and they said they cant put the TRD LSD in. They say there are too many shimmies or little parts that they can't do , and told me to take it to a specialty shop. DAMN im pissed!

 

What's the matter with that Lexus dealer. I put my TRD LSD in myself. This should be an easy job for a dealer. I wouldn't trust them to do any work on my car.

 

They said since its not the whole differential they cant just take the center piece out. I called another dealer and they said the same thing.

 

i think that there is some misinformation going around about the LSDs. i think that what we need is the total bell housing that has everything already assembled. i spoke with a toyota rep yesterday and he was telling me that i need all kinds of bearings and all. from looking at the pic, it looks like a self contained unit and direct install. also i want to know if the rear drive ratio is the same for the TT automatic and 6 speed.

 

What? This is ridiculus. Dealer couldn't install the LSD? That shows how much Lexus mechanics know.

 

Well looking at the pic that is not what i got. I only got the inside part with the holes, not the whole unit. Is that what everybody else got????

 

Yep, this happens. Lexus dealers do not really get into "fixing" parts such as engines and transmissions. They REPLACE THEM. So I would certainly not see them stripping down a "rear pumkin" to install a LSD.
It requires an expert and Lexus techs do not do enough of these to be an expert. It is a good 5 hour job. The problem lies in the shims ,alignment ,and bearing preload. If not done "EXACTLY", you will break the gears on the Pinion VERY FAST because they will not be making full contact with the corresponding gears on the Ring.. It took me a while ,$$$,and patience before I could properly replace a Ring and Pinion which is what you are doing. Taking the ring off the old spider gear housing and installing it on the LSD.
Take it to a good trasnmission shop. It is a very very simple process for any skilled trans. person as the differential in our cars is the same as any other car.

 

Ok Pearl you hit it on the spot, exactly what the dealership said, thanks for being smart. OK i made an appt with a place called Differential NW , seemed like they understood, and since they are a differential only place, i hope they can hook me up.

 

Your welcome. Im sure it will go smoothly for you.
For those thinking of doing it yourself-unless you know what your knowing ,I recommend you don't fiddle with it. A Ring and Pinion is $1200.00 for these cars. They can last a lifetime (though mine never seem to), but will break within 500 miles if off only 1mm. The tolerance is that tight.

Hope this helps

 

So your saying its better to buy the whole unit then!!!!

 

Yeah but who would sell the whole unit for $769???

 

JYOO:

Sorry your local dealers are being such a pain on the install! It really varies on how 'tolerant' dealers are on mods. Luckily mine in Charlotte has been very cool. One important point to make to them is that this is a genuine Toyota / Lexus part that can be ordered through their parts dept, not something aftermarket.

Please post on how the install goes at the other place, what the diff place charges and how the LSD works! When do you have it scheduled? Just got mine today (delivered, not installed yet).

 

don't know but if I buy the whole unit I can install it myself and save the cash I would have to spend at a Trans shop! I think you get one for 1000.00 not sure tho!

 

I scheduled a appt for this coming up MONDAY, i hope they know what they are doing, but the LEXUS dealer did refer me to them. Yes ill tell yall if it works good and if its worth the money and HASSLE!. Ill have it track tested soon too.

 

so do they sell the whole pumpkin or just the innards?


Doc