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 ***
