Installation09 – 15 Cadillac CTS-V 8.8 Rear Differential Swap
As you may know, the differential in your CTS-V is unserviceable. As difficult as it is to believe it was never intended to be repaired, only replaced as a complete unit should anything go wrong. Now that these differentials have been discontinued by GM, you have two choices if you need a replacement: 1. locate a used original differential from a wrecked vehicle or 2. install an aftermarket solution.
We feel the aftermarket solution is the only true answer due to the fact that a used original differential is also unserviceable.
The differential we chose to solve this situation is the IRS (independent rear suspension) version of the Ford 8.8.
The 8.8 has been used for over 30 years at power levels well above 1000HP. Ford is well known for designing fantastic rear ends and this rear end is no different. Best of all, unlike the Getrag differential that came in the CTS-V originally, the 8.8 is not a “throw away”; it was designed to be serviced and repaired. The housings are practically indestructible and the internal components are supported by a long list of aftermarket companies including parts directly from Ford. So not only does this kit solve a problem today, it avoids potential problems in the future. It will be serviceable for the life of the car.
An important aspect of this kit is that once you have it, you no longer need Creative Steel. The only proprietary parts in this kit are the brackets that mount the 8.8 in the CTS-V. All other components are available from multiple online suppliers and local auto part stores.
Installation:
This kit is a 100% bolt-in replacement differential. No modifications are necessary to the car. No cutting, welding, grinding required. This is a DIY product to a level that you could use the factory service manual to perform the swap.
For us, installing 8.8’s in CTS-V’s is nothing new. We have shipped hundreds of 8.8’s to V owners. Most of them go to spirited daily drivers that just want a dependable differential that’s quiet for the Monday through Friday commute. Some 8.8’s have been installed in full race cars that run in the mid-low 8-second quarter mile. Overall the 8.8 differential caters to both situations equally well.
Support after the sale: Creative Steel is available to service your 8.8 in the future. Over the years a few customers have shipped their 8.8 back to us for a “freshen up”. After years of dragstrip launches some customers want the piece of mind that their 8.8 is ready for another race season. We offer this service to all customers, so if you don’t have a local shop that you trust to work on your 8.8, we are available.
Kit Features:
100% Assembled 8.8 Differential with the internal components of your choice of gear ratios and carriers. All carriers we offer are Posi Traction (they will spin both tires).
8.8 Mounting brackets machined from 6061 Billet Aluminum (includes port for the temperature sending unit)
1 Year Warranty
New 1000HP or 1400HP axle option
Drive Shaft Adapter that allows the reuse of your original drive shaft.
*Built to order. Call for lead times*
