2004-2013 Toyota Highlander / 2004-2009 Lexus RX330 RX350 AWD Rear Differential Carrier 2.928 – 41110-21071

The Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier is a rear axle differential assembly for compatible all-wheel-drive Toyota Highlander, Lexus RX330 and early Lexus RX350 models using the 2.928 final-drive ratio. It transfers driveshaft torque through the rear differential to the left and right rear axle shafts, allowing the rear wheels to rotate at different speeds while cornering.

An important fitment correction applies to the supplied title. The 2.928-ratio carrier can cover compatible 2004–2013 Toyota Highlander AWD models, but the Lexus application does not extend through 2013. The corresponding Lexus applications are generally 2004–2006 RX330 AWD and 2007–2009 RX350 AWD. The redesigned 2010 RX350 uses a different 2.277-ratio rear differential and should not be included in this 2.928-ratio listing. Genuine Lexus catalog data confirms the 2010 RX350 uses 41110-48101/related supersessions with a 41:18, 2.277 final-drive ratio.

The principal OEM family for the Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier includes 41110-21071, with earlier references 41110-21070, 41110-48080 and 41110-48081. Lexus OEM catalog information identifies 41110-21070 as a rear differential carrier with a 41:14 = 2.928 ratio and shows that it was replaced by 41110-21071. Additional OEM fitment data identifies 41110-21071 as superseding the earlier 21070, 48080 and 48081 references.

This differential is suitable for transmission specialists, drivetrain repair shops, Toyota and Lexus workshops, salvage rebuilders, automotive recyclers, parts distributors, exporters and wholesale buyers.

OEM Part Numbers and Interchange

Important references include:

• Current/Replacement OEM: 41110-21071
• Earlier OEM: 41110-21070
• Additional earlier references: 41110-48080, 41110-48081
• Interchange: 440-59199
• Component: Rear Differential Carrier Assembly
• Position: Rear
• Drivetrain: AWD
• Final Drive Ratio: 2.928
• Ring/Pinion Ratio: 41:14

Genuine Lexus parts information explicitly records the ratio as FGR 41:14 = 2.928. Recycler interchange data also associates 41110-21071 and Hollander 440-59199 with the Highlander/RX330/RX350 rear differential family.

Toyota Highlander Fitment

The Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier is widely interchanged across compatible mechanical-AWD Toyota Highlander applications from 2004 through 2013.

Recycler interchange data documents:

• 2004–2005 Highlander: rear differential, 2.928 ratio
• 2006–2007 Highlander: AWD 2.4L, VIN D
• 2006–2007 Highlander: AWD 3.3L, VIN P
• 2008–2009 Highlander: AWD 3.5L, VIN S
• 2009–2012 Highlander: applicable 2.7L configurations, VIN A
• 2010 Highlander: AWD 3.5L, VIN K
• 2011–2012 Highlander: AWD 3.5L, VIN K
• 2013 Highlander: AWD 3.5L, VIN K

The same interchange source identifies OEM 41110-21071 on an actual Highlander donor and lists these compatible applications.

VIN verification remains strongly recommended because engine, drivetrain and market specifications can differ.

Lexus RX330 Fitment

For Lexus, this Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier is documented for:

• 2004 Lexus RX330 AWD
• 2005 Lexus RX330 AWD
• 2006 Lexus RX330 AWD

Lexus OEM data identifies 41110-21070, superseded by 41110-21071, for 2004–2006 RX330 applications and confirms the 2.928 final-drive ratio.

The RX330 application should be AWD. A front-wheel-drive RX330 does not use this rear differential carrier.

Lexus RX350 Fitment

The compatible early RX350 application is:

• 2007 Lexus RX350 AWD
• 2008 Lexus RX350 AWD
• 2009 Lexus RX350 AWD

OEM fitment information for 41110-21071 covers the 2007–2009 RX350 and identifies the same 2.928 ratio differential family.

This is an important boundary for SEO and customer fitment.

Do Not List 2010-2013 RX350 With This 2.928 Differential

The 2010 RX350 changed to another differential family.

Lexus catalogs the 2010 rear differential as:

41110-48101 / 41110-48102, later superseded within the 41110-48104 family.

These units use:

41:18 = 2.277 ratio.

A 2.928-ratio Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier should therefore not be advertised as a direct replacement for 2010–2013 RX350 vehicles.

Mixing differential ratios can create drivetrain mismatch and should be avoided.

2.928 Final Drive Ratio

The correct ratio is one of the most important specifications when ordering a rear differential.

For the 41110-21070/21071 family:

41 ring-gear teeth ÷ 14 pinion teeth = 2.928

Lexus OEM documentation explicitly states this ratio.

Buyers should verify that the original vehicle requires 2.928 before installation.

Do not select a differential based only on:

• Housing appearance
• Mounting points
• Model name
• Approximate model year

The final-drive ratio must match the vehicle’s drivetrain configuration.

AWD Applications Only

This component is designed for compatible mechanical AWD vehicles.

A front-wheel-drive Highlander or Lexus does not use the same rear differential arrangement.

Hybrid vehicles also require special attention. Toyota/Lexus hybrid AWD systems in some of these generations can use electrically driven rear propulsion rather than the same mechanical driveshaft/differential arrangement.

Therefore, customers should provide:

• VIN
• Engine
• AWD confirmation
• Hybrid/non-Hybrid confirmation
• Original differential number

before ordering.

Differential Carrier vs Rear Axle Assembly

The Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier should not be confused with a complete rear suspension or axle package.

A typical differential carrier assembly centers around the:

• Differential housing
• Ring-and-pinion system
• Internal differential gears
• Input/pinion flange
• Output interfaces

depending on the actual assembly supplied.

It does not automatically include:

• Left rear CV axle
• Right rear CV axle
• Rear hubs
• Wheel bearings
• Driveshaft/propeller shaft
• Rear crossmember
• Differential mounts
• Suspension arms
• ABS sensors
• Mounting bolts  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Exact supplied components must be confirmed from inventory photographs.

Input Flange Differences

Some aftermarket replacement listings state that Lexus applications may require transfer or reuse of the vehicle’s original flange when installing a Highlander/RX cross-reference differential.

For this reason, the physical input flange should be compared before shipment.

Verify:

• Bolt pattern
• Flange diameter
• Driveshaft attachment
• Splines
• Seal area
• Original carrier number  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Do not assume every cross-referenced carrier arrives with the exact flange required for every application.

Genuine OEM, Remanufactured and Aftermarket Units

The 41110-21071 number is an OEM reference, but products using this number can be supplied in different conditions.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Genuine Used OEM

Removed from an original Toyota or Lexus donor vehicle.

Remanufactured

Original or compatible core rebuilt with serviced/replaced internal components.

New Aftermarket

New non-Toyota carrier designed to cross-reference Toyota/Lexus OEM numbers.

One current replacement supplier, for example, sells a remanufactured 41110-21071 assembly and cross-references 41110-21070, 41110-21071 and 440-59199.

Only describe a unit as Genuine Toyota/Lexus OEM when its actual manufacturer and markings confirm that status.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Used Differential Inspection

Before supplying a used Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier, inspect for:

• Excessive pinion play
• Output-flange play
• Housing cracks
• Mounting damage
• Oil leakage
• Damaged threads
• Broken flange
• Impact damage
• Metal contamination in oil
• Abnormal bearing noise  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

The donor VIN, mileage and original part number should be recorded where available.

A used carrier should not be described as rebuilt unless there is documentation confirming a rebuild.

Common Symptoms of Differential Problems

Customers may seek a replacement differential because of:

• Rear-end whining
• Howling under acceleration or deceleration
• Grinding
• Clunking
• Excessive drivetrain backlash
• Oil leakage
• Damaged gears or bearings
• Collision damage  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Noise diagnosis should be performed before replacement because similar symptoms can also originate from wheel bearings, CV joints, driveshaft components or differential mounts.

Professional Installation Recommended

Installation of the Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier should be performed by an experienced drivetrain technician.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Depending on the vehicle, installation can require removal or movement of:

• Rear driveshaft
• Rear axle shafts
• Exhaust components
• Differential supports
• Rear subframe components  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Lexus service-oriented parts guidance specifically notes subframe/differential removal considerations for RX330/RX350 and Highlander applications.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Correct lubricant, seals, mounting hardware and torque procedures should follow the service information for the receiving VIN.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Information Required Before Ordering

Provide:

• Make and model
• Model year
• VIN
• Engine size
• AWD confirmation
• Hybrid/non-Hybrid confirmation
• Existing OEM number
• 2.928 ratio confirmation
• Input-flange photograph
• New, remanufactured or used OEM requirement
• Quantity
• Delivery destination  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Request a Quote

For pricing and availability of the Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier, provide the VIN, year, engine, AWD configuration, existing differential number, required condition, quantity and shipping destination. Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

The key 2.928-ratio references are 41110-21071, 41110-21070, 41110-48080 and 41110-48081, with interchange 440-59199. Lexus OEM data confirms the 41:14/2.928 specification, while recycler interchange supports compatible 2004–2013 Highlander, 2004–2006 RX330 AWD and 2007–2009 RX350 AWD applications. Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier

Exact condition, flange configuration, internal completeness, mounting hardware, seals, lubricant, packaging, MOQ, availability and freight terms must be confirmed for the actual supplied differential.  Toyota Highlander Lexus RX Rear Differential Carrier