Replacing tranny... questions

The 5 spd tranny on my 97 SE has a main shaft bearing going out on it and from all my pricing around, it appears that replacing the entire tranny would be cheaper than actually fixing it. I figured this would be a prime opportunity to look into getting a VLSD, so a local shop has found one for me, but they told me that the axle shafts are different between locking and non-locking and wouldnt be able to transfer them from my current non-locking to a locking diff... is this true?

... is this true?

No hands on experience, but ppl workin on earlier models axles say they have found out five kinds axles (!?) which dont fit - but are sold for their maxima tranny type. Some axle type even 'locks' the VLSD... I think you have a shop/mech which/who knows his business, thats an asset itself:)

Note for all readers: Respect tranny oil swap intervals, be it M/T or A/T... A/T interval is 2-30kmiles, 2yrs.

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