2013 LR4 Rear Diff Options?

StangGT5

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Feb 4, 2019
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Atlanta, GA
I have a Tactical Rovers front bumper and rear bumper w/ swingout, Front Runner ladder, and five Compomotive 18's with like new 285 General Grabbers taking up space in my garage. Accordingly, I am considering buying another LR4 (a tree ended my 2010's life before it could die of natural timing chain causes) to find them a new home. The problem is, all the nice low mileage 2013s I have found lack the HD package.

ARB does not make a locking rear diff for the LR4. The one post I could find about Lucky8 's diff said it chewed two sets of pinion bearings in short order. I do not really feel like tracking down all the parts to retrofit the e-diff if there is an aftermarket option.

That leads me ask, could a rear LR3 open diff be used in a LR4? From what I understand, ARB diffs fit those fine.
 

MM3846

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Feb 18, 2014
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The LR3 and 4 are both Dana M220 rear axles, if you pull the ring gear and carrier you can probably match it up with something off the shelf for another truck.
 

discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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Northern Illinois
The LR3 and 4 are both Dana M220 rear axles, if you pull the ring gear and carrier you can probably match it up with something off the shelf for another truck.
I don't think its going to be as easy as you think. I'm amazed how these things are really just machined to bolt together and have the correct preload on the side carrier bearings. It's just the race against a machined aluminum housing. No adjustments, just torque the case halves together.
 

StangGT5

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Feb 4, 2019
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Atlanta, GA
You have to really need a rear locker in an LR4. Have any trail in mind where it would be a deal-breaker?
Honestly, no. I have plenty of 4x4s for trails and the LR4 will be more for long distance trips with light off roading.

The LR3/4 traction control is quite good, but I have had a LR3 with and without the ediff. The one with it seemed to climb sandy hills easier.
 

MM3846

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Feb 18, 2014
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LI, NY
I don't think its going to be as easy as you think. I'm amazed how these things are really just machined to bolt together and have the correct preload on the side carrier bearings. It's just the race against a machined aluminum housing. No adjustments, just torque the case halves together.
I’ve never seen one apart, but I’m sure it’s crazy in there
 

p m

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Honestly, no. I have plenty of 4x4s for trails and the LR4 will be more for long distance trips with light off roading.

The LR3/4 traction control is quite good, but I have had a LR3 with and without the ediff. The one with it seemed to climb sandy hills easier.
Our LR4, with all its issues, has no problem climbing sandy hills, covered with snow and ice.
 

MM3846

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Feb 18, 2014
1,221
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LI, NY
It’s actually so simple there’s no room for anything extra. The locking diff is simple and it works great.
I’ve been really impressed with it. It really “knows” when to lock before you even notice any wheel slip where you’d lean over and flip a locker on.
 

discostew

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Sep 14, 2010
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Northern Illinois
The early trucks had some issues with the motors. I think it was an internal brake that holds the motor locked once the motor slams it all locked. I haven’t seen any of the newer trucks do that.
 

StangGT5

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Feb 4, 2019
295
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Atlanta, GA
The early trucks had some issues with the motors. I think it was an internal brake that holds the motor locked once the motor slams it all locked. I haven’t seen any of the newer trucks do that.
By "newer", are you referring to the V6 LR4s, or just the 10-11 LR4s? Have you seen this issue affect the 11-12 L322 SCs? I'm looking at those too, and many have the locking diff.