Wow very surprised they won't do it. It's a straight swap lol, any decent shop should be able to do it.

 

...and probably for less cost than Lexus

Rob

 

Is it possible to install the LSD on an LC that didn't originally come with one?

 

Yes it will be direct bolt on using the part #s indicated early in this thread.

 

Yes - it's part of the diff assy. I think a couple folks have had luck selling their V8 LSD diffs to non-LSD V8 owners after swapping the hybrid diff in. I'm hoping to do the same with mines lol.

I've managed to get one quote, but most qualified shops and a second dealer have turned me away so far - something in the water I suppose.

 

While it is a direct bolt-in, it will depend on the year of your LC as far as being compatible with the electronics:

Replacing LC500 torsen diff with LC500h one! - post #72

 

Does anyone know the current cost of the LC500h diff?
I'm not sure how to look it up.
Rob

 

Amayama has it for $2800 shipped to the US, not sure if additional tariff will apply or not.

Lexus dealers have it for $4800 shipped right now, these guys usually do some 20% sales during the year so knock a grand off can be had for $3800 ish.

Part #

4111011050

 

If buying in the US, we get to happily pay 30% tarriff fees on these parts

 

Howdy all - I finally managed to find a great local shop that installed the diff with no problems. I wanted to make a (warning: LONG) post to make it as simple as possible for those of y'all wanting to do this, from buying the parts to convincing a shop to get this done. The owner of the shop I worked with, Josh, was super helpful in taking pictures for this board, which I am really appreciative of (if you are in DFW and want to do this swap, DM me and I can share it, not sure if name dropping is allowed here).

Here we go, step by step:

1. BACKGROUND: 2018 Coupe, fully loaded (performance package, 21" wheels, etc.). I wanted to do this install as part of my OEM "LCF" project, where I am piecing together various OEM Aesthetic & Performance modifications to create what an LCF could have been without aftermarket parts, largely. This diff being the only meaningful performance mod for the car was a very large part of the project, naturally.
2. PARTS:
   1. I put together a parts list of all the nuts, bolts, washers, etc. based on the discussion and primarily pictures in this thread. Some of these ended up being excess - the parts you will need are below with some notes:
   2. You will save significantly more money buying these from Tosshin or Amayama than from a US Lexus dealer, even with the recent tariffs (30% for these parts). I went with Tosshin and was happy with their updates and clear comms.
   3. PART LIST
      
      The left most column are the parts I bought based on the thread, the yellow column is what we actually installed.
3. LOCATING A SHOP:
   1. Finding a shop: The two DFW Lexus dealerships refused to do this swap for me due to perceived "risk" and warranty concerns. I went with a local Toyota/Lexus specialist who was great to work with and was excited as I was about it.
   2. As with life, if you want somebody to do something difficult/unique for you, try to make it as easy as possible. In this case, I sent an email with photos, a parts list (like the table above), and a summary of what was to be done, as well as a link to this thread, to make it easier for the shop - all of this information helped with confidence of the install. For any hoping to do this install, you should hopefully be able to just send them this post.
4. STEP BY STEP INSTALLATION
   1. 
      1. Starting Removal of Diff
      
      2. Removal of connectors to exhaust valves 4x
      
      3. Lowering Exhaust
      
      4. Lowering Steering Rack
      
      5. Removal of 4x allern head bolts. Bushing on left side, counterbalance on right side (this counterbalance is going to be replaced by the optional RCF bushing mount included in the parts list. We recommended installing it to reduce differential slop, at the expense of a very slight increase in NVH, likely imperceptible.)
      
      6. Removal of rear brackets to allow differential to come down
      
      7. Before removing the forward 19mm differential mounts, I slightly removed axles on both sides, this kept the differential stable during axle removal
      
      8. Here you can see the differential being dropped down. Also you can see the 3 nuts and bolts to the driveshaft that are removed. I also suspended the axles upward to avoid stress on the boots.
      
      9. New Differential
      
      10. Securing new differential for install. This comes with new axle seals and drain plug. Fill plug was not included
      
      11A. New bushing install on left side (replaced the old one just while we were in there).
      
      11B. For the right side, after discussion, we decided to remove the counter balance and install the optional 4 mounting point for the differential. This will help reduce diff slop at the expense of a little more wear on the diff and potential noise/vibration (none noticed during initial driving so far).
      
      12. Alignment completed due to the lowering of rear steering rack (My LC500 has the full TRD Aero kit installed and the black chrome grill/bits from the Inspiration Series, I will make future posts about the former.)
      
5. COST SUMMARY:
   1. COST:
      1. LABOR
         1. DIFF SWAP LABOR: $700
         2. 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT: $105
         3. 2 Quarts of 75W-85 DIFF OIL: $69.22
      2. MATERIAL
         1. PARTS: $2,355
         2. SHIPPING: $719
         3. TARRIFS: $~650 (pre-tarrif spike would be ~$325)
6. INITIAL RESULTS / SUMMARY:
   1. The car feels completely stock but even more fun to drive! The diff helps with getting torque early in the rev range, making regular driving a lot easier / more comfortable. When accelerating on the highway, the car definitely feels faster/more spry. When accelerating from lower speeds, the car hits the limiter faster and stays in higher RPMs when mashing the paddles, making it much more fun to drive enthusiastically! It was impressive hearing the engine roar at the elevated RPMs this diff allowed while rowing through 1st-4th. Additionally, the use of the spare mounting point makes the car feel a little more responsive and has actually helped reduce a lot of the shuddering I previously felt when downshifting aggressively - I was amazed at the difference. Of course, this all comes at the cost of fuel economy and perhaps a little more tear on tires, etc., but I would enthusiastically recommend this mod if you feel the desire for more torque and acceleration throughout the entire rev range, especially if you have an early model that could benefit from the additional stability of that additional mounting point.

I hope this helps reduce some of the mystery around this mod and makes it easier for those interested to do it! And again, shout out to Josh and his team for the excellent install photos.

 

Amazing writeup @LegacyLC ! I’m sure this will give everyone more confidence to pull the trigger in this upgrade. I’m following your LCF upgrades as that is my same build path I want to take with my LC.

 

Thank you, I'm glad to help! My inner engineer hates to see cool stuff done without a step by step process 😁. I think the optional transmission cooler is a prime example, where somebody posted they completed the install and then disappeared without a parts list or install tips.

 

Incredible. Thank you

 

Since the supreme court struck down Pres Trump's tarrif program, do we expect the 500h diff will now be less expensive. Has anyone checked?

I tried to look it up on Amayama, but got, "No models found". Chose both Frame by Market options, but no results.

Would Amayama know what tarrif applies?

 

Here you are sir:

https://www.amayama.com/en/part/toyota/4111011050


cost 2,223.78
shipping 479.44

Tosshin also has it, but shipping is hard to estimate, they will reach out to you with cost after you place order