2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap

Name: 2004-2007 Cadillac CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap
SKU: CS-0119-001
Availability: InStock

Price range: $5,489.00 through $6,489.00

Axles

8.8 T-Shirt

Carrier

Driveshaft

Housing

Gear Ratio

Clear

Description
FAQs

Product Description

04 – 07 CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap

Creative Steel offers a complete bolt-in solution to the problematic Getrag rear differential that the CTS-V came with from the factory. We offer this solution as a “turn key” kit that includes everything required to perform the 8.8 differential swap. Furthermore, we also offer individual components from this kit for those of you who wish to source some of the components locally.

***CALL FOR LEAD TIMES***

Many street and racing applications utilize the 8.8 Ford rear differential due to its strength and trouble-free operation. The 8.8 is nothing new. In 1983, solid axle versions were introduced for full-size pickups. In 1986 the IRS version was introduced for use in Thunderbirds and Lincoln Mark VIIIs, as well as in Cobra Mustangs from 2003 to 2004. The wide spread availability of parts and aftermarket support make the 8.8 the rear end of choice for many custom car and race car builders.

As said before, our 8.8 Ford rear diff kit is a true 100% bolt-in replacement for the factory differential. No modifications to the vehicle are required, no cutting, welding, drilling or special tools are needed. Although a second person would help, one person that is moderately familiar with the suspension components of a car can perform the installation of this kit in eight working hours.

Another benefit to this swap is the increased strength of the differential and the almost unlimited selection of gear ratio’s available. One ratio will fit the needs of most customers. If most of your driving is on the freeway, the original (04-07 CTS-V 3.73) would be a good choice. For those who spend most of their time in the city, 4.10 gears might be more enjoyable. Multiple gear ratios is achievable by setting up a second differential. It can can as little as two hours to swap out the 8.8 differential. This is optimal for customers that race their cars on different tracks where gear ratios make a difference.

We have also installed “cooler ports” in the rear cover for those of you that track your cars. We know excessive heat can be a problem and this should be a welcomed feature.

Our CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap also reduces wheel hop to an absolute minimum. Many factors come in to play when “wheel hop” is discussed, such as road conditions, tire choice, and the condition of every rubber component in the drive train. Cadillac designed these vehicles with comfort as the top priority. The soft rubber bushings through-out these cars are great for isolating road noise from the cabin, however, they are not a good choice when performance is the objective.

We understand that there are kits available to install a Ford 9″ differential in the CTS-V, Likewise, we understand that the 9″ has been the benchmark for high performance rear ends for decades, but for the CTS-V application, we feel the only benefit to the Ford 9″ is that it is sexier to say. It sounds better to say (In your deepest manly voice) “I have a Ford 9 inch” than it does to say “I have a Ford 8.8”.

When you factor in the labor for cutting, welding and removal of the rear sub frame/cradle from the car to perform the 9″ install and the higher price of the 9″ components…. the 8.8 option makes a lot of sense.

If you are considering Ford 8.8 diff swap for your CTS-V, see what others have to say about the 8.8. Nonetheless you will find that the 8.8 is more than strong enough to handle whatever you can throw at it.

If you have ANY questions about this differential swap do not hesitate to call, ask for Max

Our 8.8 differential swap includes:

CHOICE OF DRIVE SHAFT:

8.8 ADAPTER – USE YOUR STOCK DRIVE SHAFT – Call Max if you have questions or need a drive shaft

CHOICE AXLES:

COMPLETE- UPGRADED AXLES, RATED AT 1000 WHP

CARRIER:

FORD RACING
TRUETRAC
WAVETRAC

CHOICE OF GEAR RATIOS:

3.55
3.73 (STOCK GEAR RATIO)
4.10

POWDER COATED MOUNTING BRACKETS W/8.8 BLOCK INSTALLED
MODIFIED REAR COVER TO ACCEPT COOLER LINE W/ VENT
POWDER COATED CENTER SECTION ASSEMBLED W/ New carrier & gears
INCLUDES 2 QTS OF GEAR LUBE/ADDITIVE AND ALL HARDWARE

*** Our axles will drop ship from supplier ***

What is the 8.8 break-in procedure?

*** DO NOT REMOVE PINION NUT, COVER OR ATTEMPT ANY REPAIRS BEFORE CONTACTING CS ***

THIS WILL VOID YOUR WARRANTY IMMEDIATELY

8.8 DIFFERENTIALS HAVE A 1 YEAR WARRANTY FROM DATE OF DELIVERY. THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE AXLE AND PINION SEALS.
ALL WARRANTY WORK MUST BE DONE BY CREATIVE STEEL TO KEEP ORIGINAL WARRANTY

(RETURN SHIPPING IS PAID BY CUSTOMER)

**BREAK IN PROCEDURE MUST BE PERFORMED**

A proper “break-in” of a new 8.8 is critical. If the break-in procedure is not followed almost to the letter, excessive gear whine for the life of the differential is probable. We put these 8.8’s together on the “tight” side of factory tolerances since these tolerances will only loosen with time as the vehicle is driven. The down side of this assembly method is the heat generated by the bearings and gears inside the differential can cause irreparable damage if the break-in procedure is rushed. Heat is the enemy, follow these instructions for your own good.

Break-in procedure:
Stage 1. After installing the 8.8, drive the vehicle from 0-25mph for 10 minutes, then let the 8.8 cool for 1 hour. Perform this stage of the break-in 5 times.

Stage 2. Drive vehicle from 0-35mph for up to 20 minutes, then let cool for 1 hour. Perform this 5 times. Performing some figure 8’s in an empty parking lot during this stage, is also beneficial.

Stage 3. This is part 1 of the freeway stage. No more than 65mph for 30 minutes, let cool for 1 hour. Perform this stage 5 times.

Stage 4. This stage has no speed restriction, but has a 1 hour limit. Drive for 1 hour, then let it cool for 1 hour. Perform this stage 5 times.

We know this break-in procedure will be torture for most of you guys. We get it. You have waited a long time
for an 8.8 and now we’re being a buzzkill, taking all the fun out of your new toy. The reason for this time is
that we want your 8.8 to be quiet for years to come. That being said; if you absolutely have to smoke the tires
before stage 4 is complete, you have our blessing to slip one in between stage 2 and 3. (6/23)

What carrier should I choose when purchasing an 8.8?

We offer 3 types of 8.8 carriers- Ford Racing Traction Lok, Eaton Truetrac, and Wavetrack.

Ford Racing Traction Lok- The Ford Racing Traction-Lok is a mechanical, clutch-type limited-slip differential designed to transfer engine power to both rear wheels to maximize traction on the street or track. Unlike an open differential that sends power to the wheel with the least resistance, the Traction-Lok uses heavy internal plate-style clutches made of durable carbon fiber for high-torque applications. When a difference in wheel speed is detected, such as when one wheel slips on a slick surface, the differential’s internal gearing applies axial force to compress these clutch packs, mechanically forcing torque to the wheel with the most grip. This design ensures a smoother transfer of power and improved handling without the harsh engagement found in full locking differentials. https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-4204-F318C

(This is the carrier we recommend to 90% of customers. Similar manners to your OEM differential. You will need to use supplied limited slip friction modifier. )

Eaton Truetrac- Is a maintenance-free, helical-gear style limited-slip differential (LSD) designed to maximize wheel traction by automatically transferring torque to the wheel with the best grip. Under normal, high-traction conditions, the Truetrac allows for smooth, independent wheel speeds, acting as an open differential. When one wheel loses traction (e.g., on ice or off-road), the speed difference causes the helical gears to create internal “separation forces”. These forces bind the gears against the differential case, creating a limited-slip effect that forces torque to the wheel with more grip. https://www.eaton.com/us/en-us/skuPage.913A561.html

(We generally do not recommend this carrier for most people. While it is stronger than the Ford Racing unit, we have found that the tolerances in this unit are pretty loose. The rocking of the vehicle when parking or changing direction will be increased. No friction modifier needed.)

Wavetrac- TheWavetrac is a high-performance, gear-based automatic torque-biasing (ATB) limited-slip differential designed and manufactured by Autotech Driveline. It is widely recognized for its patented design that solves the “zero-load” problem common in traditional helical differentials. While traditional gear differentials act like an open diff if one wheel lifts or loses total traction, the Wavetrac’s cam device creates internal load when it senses a speed difference, mechanically forcing torque to the wheel with grip. This ensures constant power delivery during both acceleration and deceleration, providing superior stability without the wear and maintenance of a traditional clutch-style LSD. Constructed from high-strength 9310 alloy steel and requiring no special oil additives, it offers a maintenance-free solution that performs reliably on both the street and the track. https://www.wavetrac.net/collections/ford/products/56-309-186wk

(The Wavetrac is considered the best of the best. These units are really nice however they are expensive. No friction modifier needed.)