Gen 3 rear diff

Whats up everyone. I just joined this forum because Im looking to buy a gen 3 4runner and built it up to my specs. This forum seems to be the authority on 4runners and reading through this forum I see there are 4runner experts here with way more knowledge than myself.

I have a question about a 1997 6cyl 4x limited with diff lock. It has 290k on and needs a rear diff. The seller says it drives fine so I assume the locker doesnt work. He wants $3300.00 for it. The rest of the truck is clean and everything works. If it was your truck would you replace, rebuild or upgrade the rear diff?
How hard of a job is it?

Ive done all my own work on my vehicle's for many years but never anything with a rear diff especially with a locker. Any advice on this is valued and appreciated.

 

Did I do something wrong posting this? I figure I did with no replies. Maybe I will just ask the questions instead of everything else.

On a 97 4wd v6 4runner would you guys rebuild, replace or upgrade the rear diff?
How hard of a job is it and are there special tools required?

Im trying to decide if I want to buy this truck or not and the answers I get here will help me make a desicion.
Thanks

 

For that price...I wouldn't let a rear diff get in the way.

I don't know what rebuilding these entails....but on my car, I wouldn't upgrade but I would take it apart to either rebuild or replace. Probably hard to know exactly what to do until you're in it.

 

Thanks negusm. I was thinking the same thing for the price. I'm looking at another near identical 4runner for $1500.00. Its clean in and out. Just not sure if I feel like doing an engine swap or not. You input helps. helps