I'm planning on getting a LSD for my recently purchased 2003 IS300 and I had a couple of questions.

What's the difference between a non locking carrier and a locking carrier? Is the locking carrier a LSD? Is it possible for me to install the LSD without any problems or would I have to take the car to a shop for installation? Would a LSD from a 2002 model work on my 2003?

I checked on ebay and noticed that some of the LSD's are labeled m95 and m98. What's the difference between the two? I read somewhere that there's an automatic LSD and a manual LSD.

Any help regarding exactly what to look for and ask for when purchasing a LSD for my Auto IS300 would be helpful.

Thanks

 

Use the search function, look for m95 and m98.
I'm sure you would find lots of good info.

But yep, there is automatic and manual LSD.
There is a little sticker on the diff that says what # it is.
Also I think a tag on the inside of the doorjam also has this same #.

I have no personal experience, but from what I understand it is plug and play.
I don't know if the computer has to be flashed or anything, but it wouldnt' suprise me.

 

Thanks for the help. I managed to find a m98 for my auto at my local junkyard for $200. I tried searching the forums but couldn't find any info for another question that I have.

Is there an easy way to find out if the LSD was abused or taken care of? What should I look for? Any help regarding the installation process would be appreciated.

 

there are different gear ratios on the m98 and m85. I believe the m98 has 3.9 gears and the m85 is geared 3.7. or vise versa, I can't remember lol. the m96 is not an lsd differential, it is an open diff.

 

From your help and some research, the part I'm looking for is the m98 carrier with 3.909 ratio. My only problem now is the installation. Any help with this would be great as I don't want to spend money to get a professional installation. Unless a self installation is risky and unsafe.

 

It should be a plug n play thing. Just make sure to change the oil while you have the lsd carrier (aka 3rd member or housing) out. Its harder to do with the 3rd member under the car.

 

Me and my friend just finished installing it without any problems. He drives a 94 Supra and is better experienced with this stuff than me. Thanks again to everyone for their input. After test driving his Supra, I feel the urge to swap in a 2jz-gte