I think I found an LSD for my Raider. Is it easier or better in any way to grab just the LSD, or the whole axle? They are self-contained, right?

I would just grab the pumpkin. It's about the same effort, but a whole lot less weight to mess with. Plus you already know what you have back there now, brakes, etc.

About to do this swap also.

I ended up picking up a whole rear end from a 93 Gen2 V6 3.0L LWB. Which is the same as a Gen1 NG LWB 3.0L

My truck is a 90 2.5TDi SWB so the benefits for me are LSD, Disc Brakes, 9" vs 8" and I think the trailing arms are beefier also. I will stick some Gen 1 LWB rear springs in at the same time for 1.5" lift.

Junk yard wanted $175 for just a pumpkin and I picked up the whole rear end from ebay for $56.

Be sure to double check the ratios before you buy anything.

The ratios match (4.625). They want $200 and will only sell the whole axle. That seems steep. Is it a rip-off? Should i counter offer $50? I think it's rear drum brakes so the only upgrade is the LSD -as is.

maybe a better option would be to get a rear axle from a 97-99 Montero Sport. They have rear leaf springs for easir swap, LSD, disc brakes, 4.36 ratio (close enough), and a 3 inch wider axle.
I don't know if spring pearches are exactly the same , might check on that first .

Sucks that they wont just sell you the pumpkin. Seems a bit of a waste to buy the whole thing when you only need one part. Mainly just due to the size of it. Getting rid of the empty axle would be a pain in the <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

The junk yard I went too wanted $275 for the entire rear axle, so realistically $200 is pretty good. I do live in Australia ....dollar is pretty like for like at the moment though.

You could counter $50 but I dont like your chances. 75% discount! Maybe $100.

How many miles or km's are on the axle?

The one I looked at for $275 only had 75,000 miles.

The one I bought for $56 has 136,000 miles.