Been searching at length for an answer to this but to no avail.

I bought a used Lock-Right locker that is still installed in the carrier. Can I keep it in there and simply swap the ring gear or should I swap it over to the carrier in my 4Runner? Does vehicle specific wear-and-tear come into play here?

 

As long as the Carriers are the same you can swap the ring gear over. Like if the lock right carrier is a 4cyl carrier and your 4runner is a 4cyl carrier you should be good. If not you'll have to do some converting

 

Thanks, and yes, they are both 4cyl. Should have mentioned that.

 

OK cool should have no problem then just get a set up kit and set it up and go!

 

You mean a ring and pinion set-up kit? From the info I've found, no gear set-up is required for a Lock Right install.

 

If your original open diff is in good shape, you should just swap the lock-Right into your existing carrier.
If you swap your ring gear onto the carrier that the locker is presently installed in, there could potentially be gear set-up problems that could require re-shimming or other adjustments/parts.

 

x2
just move the lock-right over to your carrier.
There isn't much to taking it out of one and putting it in yours.

 

If the R&P is the same why not just swap thirds?

 

Op didn't say he had the whole third, or same gear ratio.

 

Yes a ring and pinion set up kit....