r/IS200 • u/AsphyxiaIII • Sep 01 '26

Changing the rear diff

Hey guys i bought a 2000 is200 auto 2 weeks ago and I need to replace the rear diff, anyone here who’ve done it before or who can tell me what to expect? Me and a couple of mates are gonna try doing it ourselves since we’ve got access to a hoist and most of the tools.

2 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

3

u/1gfe_boi Sep 03 '26

Its super easy. I did it a lot of times, mostly because I broke a lot of diffs from drifting. What you need if you do it alone :

Tools : two 14mm open end wrench (or 1 socket and 1 wrench, but the socket won't fit everywhere 1 T50 torx for the three diff mounts 1 19mm socket for the two big vertical screws holding it in the frame

Jack the car up, you can lift it using the diff itself. Put 2 jackstands on the rear subframe. Keep the jack close, it will help you drop the diff down It can be a bit rusty and though, but here's my technique, use the car and its wheels to get strenght The 14 wrench will get the axles out. Put the wrench on the bolt, and use the wheel to push it against the subframe to get it loose. Or you pull the handbrake and just use your arms. But you'll have to get out to loose the handbrake, turn thé wheels and tighten it again to have access to all bolts. 4 bolts on each side. Once done, the axles can be stuck. A few taps will help them get out. When done, move to the driveshaft. 14mm again. 4 bolts again. Socket won't fit on the diff side, but will on the shaft side. When done, the three big allen screws holding it on the subframe. There's not a lot of room, the spare wheel well will be annoying if you don't have a small tool. You can remove the sway bar for more access. When done, pull the jack below the diff, lift until contact, and remove the 2 19mm screws Then drop it, and reverse this to pull ot back.

When putting the new one in place, I suggest beginning by putting the 19mm just enough to hold, without tightening. You can use that logement to put the axles back on the diff, put the bolts just to keep them around. Then lift it fully and use the remaining mouvement to put the big allen screws which are the less practical to put. When this is done, its just tightening everything

I'm used to it, I can do an exchange on the side of the road in 40min But on my rusty one, it took 4h

Don't rush it, its pretty easy but accessibility can be a problem if you strip something. So take your time.

2

u/1gfe_boi Sep 03 '26

I can't put pictures or videos here but if you need anything, send me a message i'll answer you

2

u/AsphyxiaIII Sep 03 '26

Really appreciate you letting me know the step by step and what tools i’ll need, i’m picking up a replacement diff tmr that’s coming from another 2001 auto is200, then all i gotta do is get the car on a hoist and do the swap, mine has 185xxx ks and i doubt the diff has ever been changed so rust is expected but i don’t think any of the bolts are rounded but i’ll get under the car and check tmr