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. Bottom line: the engineers working for Cadillac had to choose between customer comfort and clutch-dumping acceleration, then the marketing department got involved, they said “we’ll sell more cars if they’re comfy-quiet”. So that’s how CTS wheel hop was born……THE END.
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 WITH OUTER CV’S, 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 ***
Jesse –
Hands down the best upgrade that can be done to these cars…. I love driving my car again without all the clunking and banging from the crap GM used for a driveline. p.s the 4:10 gear change is fun in the city:)
Justin –
I purchased this kit early this summer and have put 6k on it with no issues whatsoever. It went together without a hitch and is well made. My tuner was impressed with the kit as well. Customer service was top notch and this company pays attention to details. I would happily purchase this again.
Robert –
By far the best upgrade for a V1. I have 10k on this kit with only a leaking shaft seal. Called Max to see if there was any others with this issue. Max replied there werent and is working with me to find the cause. Outstanding customer service…
Joe –
Nearly 30k miles on my 8.8 – very happy overall. A small amount of initial vibration at about 35 mph went away over the first few hundred miles. Neither me nor Max were able to determine the cause. I recommend going with the Ford Racing differential, as my TrueTrac has developed a fair amount of lash (maybe 15-20 degrees at the driveshaft). The driveshaft bumps back and forth a couple of times when I disengage the clutch, but the bulletproof components mean there’s no harm. Eventually I’ll replace the TrueTrac with the FR piece. Had the pleasure of meeting Max when he installed my engine mounts. He totally reinforced my opinion of him as a class act and someone I’m happy to support.
Anival reyes –
One of the best mods I have done to my 04 V. Absolutely love this kit!!! Every piece is very well built!
Brad –
I’ve had the 8.8 diff (with upgraded axles and 2 piece driveshaft) in my ’05 CTSV for over 45k miles and it continues to perform GREAT! It handles track days and back road drives like a champ!
Mike Eyler –
Just finished installing this in my 05. I ordered the upgraded axles, iron case, 4.10 gears and a Ford racing carrier. This kit is superbly engineered and bolted in with absolutely ZERO problems. The car drives better than ever and all of the drive line slop is gone. This how this car is supposed to be. This is the single best upgrade that can be done to the first generation V.
Byron –
Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. This is one of the best mods I have done to my car, and it gives me an end to the diff blowing anxiety. This is the best kit on the market, and they got it to me halfway around the world in a very quick time period. You absolutely get what you pay for with this kit. Plug and play swap, no headache and phenomenal customer service.
I did 3.73 gears, iron case and stock driveshaft adapter and it has served me well. I am anything but kind to the diff.
My suggestion to all new owners of the kit is to photograph the CV joint part number in case you ever need to reference it later on. I have put well over 80,000 miles on my 8.8″ and it has always asked for more abuse. I run the ford racing oil instead of the Amsoil as I find it to be quieter in operation if that is something important to you.
West Coast Joe –
As a V1 owner this is the best upgrade you can possibly do. It’s such a huge weight lifted off your shoulders knowing your not gonna blow your diff into a million pieces because you wanted to do a burn out, donut, or launch the car from a dig…. Witch is exactly what you want to do when you get behind the wheel of such an amazing badass car as the V1. Max is the definition of great customer service! I was able to install the kit on my own within 3-4hrs with my wife’s occasional help here and there and when ever I had a question about something max was always there to answer the phone and get me dialed in. In my experience I would recommend doing the subframe bushings while you’re down there, I went w the solid sub frame bushing that creative steel offers and it made a night and day difference! Wheel hop is completely gone and the rear end feels SOLID!! don’t waste your time trying to get the bushings out on your own RENT THE TOOL THEY OFFER
dan (verified owner) –
Probably better than expected. I waited a long time to upgrade my one owner 2004 CTSV , 44k miles, differential to the Ford 8.8- The factory Getrag was subpar and annoying. After installing , the difference can be felt immediately; even during the break in period. It was a $$$ upgrade but I expect it to improve my driving experience. The package was turn key & I did have it installed by Performance Differential in Bakersfield. Credit where credit is due.