blumagic

I've been on the path of verifying LSD fitment in my 1995 LS400. Various searches and Facebook group posts left me thinking that the Kaaz DAT3020 might fit in a 95-97.

It doesn't, so I thought I'd put it to rest for anyone else out there searching. Tons of credit to Ray from Tech at Kaaz USA for being extremely helpful.

Here is what I learned:

There are two types of Toyota/Lexus Diffs that Kaaz supports.

Type 1:
No bearing caps but cutouts (seen on each side of the diff). DAT3020 supports this type of diff


Type 2
Bearing caps, but no cutouts. (Supra GA70, MA70 and JZA70). Which would be SAT3030 2 way or SBT3030 1.5 way


Now this is what a 95-97 diff looks like, the perfect combo of fail.
No bearing caps and no cutouts


Now I'm hypothesizing that the 98-00 diff has the cutouts. Based on searching that the diff covers will swap over from a GS. (Still need solid factual verification though).
If anyone has a photo of a 98-00 diff with the cover off, that would be extremely helpful.

What this also tells me is the the Auto TT supra LSD will also not fit, because the DAT3020 is for that application. Cusco has HBD 192 A, stating fitment for a UCF10 & 20 but I don't feel like spending over 2k to be the guinea pig for that.

Next steps are
1. verifying that the 98-00 diff has the cutouts.
2. If so buying and refreshing a 98-00 rear subframe
3. re-verify with Kaaz
4. Install DAT3020 if applicable

This will take me quite a while but hopefully it helps clarify what actually works.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

Thanks Keep us posted on your search.

blumagic

the later generation 98-00 diff housing is confirmed fitment for Kaaz DAT3020



Thanks again to Ray @ Kaaz

The 98-00 has a side cover that bolts in and contains the carrier bearing lace, shim and the axle seal, which confirms it has the cutout.

EthanS

So Blu, the question now is are you going to swap to a 98-00 diff housing, throw a Kaaz in it, and then post some awesome videos of your LS tearing it up for us to gawk at? Please advise.

blumagic

I'm going to get a '98 subframe first and refresh it. with the 20 year old bushings in mine it is probably past due anyways. I'll collect all the parts first and try to find a non-oem subframe bushing solution. So it'll be a bit before I can tear up anything since I'm in the process off refreshing the whats left of the OE suspension & steering at the moment.

I also have a spare 97 diff paperweight if anyone needs one to weld up

timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

nice research, thanks for sharing! never knew there were differential...differences between 95-97 and 98-00.
I should have know since the trans differs between them already.

most folks would have just put it in a supra diff with LSD eh? (not sure if it's a bolt on affair either).
now wondering how the axles and guibo bushing can cope after the upgrade.

blumagic

Well the Auto MKIV Supra TT torsen diff is what i saw thrown around in a lot of the previous threads too. But this diff has the cutouts too so the internals wouldn't fit 95-97 diff either. It would in the 98-00, as for a direct full diff swap I don't know for sure but I believe the covers are different at the very least. Although to be honest I feel like the auto TT supra OEM LSD is unobtainium, or maybe there is a parts place that I am just not aware of.

The 98-00 diff should be a lot stronger when abused as well with the design of the side covers and the additional mounting point.

99Slicktop

I wonder how this kaaz lsd works around turns. Does it push the front wheels or does it try and break loose? My 99 is currently on stands getting bc coils. Aiming for a good riding and decent handling touring sedan.

Shisui

so just to kinda confirm your going to get a 98-00 rear subframe freshen it up and run that instead of the kaaz and supra diff or use the 98-00 subframe to then use the kaaz or supra diff, appreciate the knowledge I have a 95 ls too thats why im curious

99Slicktop

i have a 99 Ls400 Didn’t need to swap subframes or anything. I Just dropped a gs300 3.92 diff in with ls400 pinion flange and diff cover over a year ago with all solid diff bushings and reinforced subframe. Been going strong ever since! I do still want an LSD from kaaz soon

Shisui

so would I be able to drop a gs300 diff into a 95 ls400?

99Slicktop

no you need a 98-00 Ls400 rear subframe. I’d just get a complete subframe/suspension and do all the bushings and swap it in your car.

Shisui

And is the gs300 the only diff that works or the best one you know of