Sport to TRD OR axle swap

I'm looking at picking up a complete rear axle assembly from a 2013 TRD OR. I have a 2015 Sport. Door jambs have the same code. So I think I'm good there.

I'm doing this because the guy is only asking 650 for it (Only has 24,xxx miles). I think that's a good deal compared to ARB or other options. I really just don't have that kind of money for those. Plus I couldn't install them. This option I am comfortable with.

A few questions that I (swear to god) have been searching and searching for answers to.

1. Is 650 not a good price for this drum to drum rear axle assembly?

2. Is this swap like 1st gen tacomas where it has a dedicated ECU to the diff locker? I've seen one comment where someone said "no". That it goes through the main ECU, 4wd controller etc. I am aware I can wire up my own harness for much better control of the unit but I'd like to keep it looking/functioning close to stock to avoid warranty issues.

2. If that is the case, can I just get the factory harness/button and plug it in? Would it work correctly and light up the dash light and function properly, etc?

3. Will this give significant improvement over just doing the yellow wire mod? That seems like a good mod and from my understanding give similar functionality to a locking diff. Please correct me if i'm wrong here. I do drive in the (deep) snow a lot and look forward to some offroading adventures. If I do the YWM I don't have to wrench/swap anything and it's easy enough to put back to stock. That has some appeal to me.

4. Anyone wanna buy my old axle assembly if I do it?

I'm sure I will have more questions. I hope you will believe me that I searched all damn day. Please try not to insult me too much. I am fairly new to this whole truck modding business.


Thanks!

 

1. That seems fair. I've seen them go as low as $500 with higher mileage. I'll give you $650 for it.
2. There is an aftermarket harness you can buy.
3. A locked rear is great to have and much better than any fake brake actuated LSD IMO.
4. No, but I'll buy that e-locker if you don't.

 

Add an electric locker to the existing 8.4" rear end.

 

Wouldn't that require modifying the housing? I'm not really capable of doing that.