DIY V2 Ford 8.8 Kit
The Tried-and-True SLG E8X/E9X Ford 8.8 Swap Bundle
We made the best Ford 8.8 swap kit available even better.
Overview Video Available [HERE]
Original Install Video Available [HERE]
This DIY package provides the core components required to install a Ford Explorer 8.8 IRS differential into your BMW E8X or E9X. Supply your own differential and driveshaft, and add our proven SLG/GForce axle package to complete the foundation of an extremely strong drivetrain.
Our V2 system positions the differential higher in the chassis than other available swap kits. The combination of our redesigned brackets and slim differential bushings provides improved ground clearance, better axle angles, better driveshaft angles, and cleaner overall drivetrain packaging.
The V2 kit also adds a billet rear bracket, an additional fourth differential mount, and your choice of solid aluminum or 95A polyurethane subframe-side differential bushings.
The complete conversion is fully bolt-on and requires no welding or permanent chassis modifications.
Kit Includes
- SLG V2 Ford 8.8 mounting brackets
- Slim aluminum Ford 8.8 differential bushings
- Choice of aluminum or 95A polyurethane subframe-side bushings
- Matching fourth-mount bushing
- Complete mounting hardware
- Optional SLG/GForce custom axles
The differential and driveshaft are not included with this DIY package. Complete rebuilt differentials and custom one-piece driveshafts are available separately, or in our bundle package with everything you need.
Vehicle Fitment
Designed for BMW E8X and E9X chassis, including:
- BMW 135i
- BMW 335i
- BMW E9X M3
Compatible with manual, automatic, and DCT transmissions, along with custom engine and transmission combinations.
DCT-equipped vehicles require an xHP flash to configure the transmission for the selected final-drive ratio.
Differential Compatibility
This conversion accepts the aluminum IRS 8.8-inch differential found in:
- 2006–2010 Ford Explorer
- 2006–2010 Mercury Mountaineer
You can source your own differential or purchase one of our fully rebuilt Ford 8.8 units separately. Our differentials can be configured with Ford Performance gears, carbon-clutch limited-slip differentials, OS Giken, Wavetrac, and a wide range of gear ratios.
Why Swap to a Ford 8.8?
Installing an expensive limited-slip unit into the factory BMW differential does not make the rest of the differential stronger. The factory pinion remains a major weak point, especially in high-power and hard-launch applications.
The Ford 8.8 provides:
- Proven strength at extreme power levels
- Support for builds exceeding 1,200 horsepower
- A huge selection of gear ratios
- Multiple limited-slip differential options
- Readily available replacement parts
- Affordable gears, bearings, seals, and rebuild components
- Proven performance for street, drag, drift, and road-racing use
The aluminum Explorer housing is also approximately 15 pounds lighter than the iron BMW M differential.
Differential Bushing Options
The bushings installed directly into the Ford 8.8 differential remain solid aluminum with every kit. These slim CNC-machined bushings provide a rigid mounting point while helping position the differential higher in the chassis. For the BMW subframe side, choose between:
Solid Aluminum
Provides maximum differential control and the most direct drivetrain response. Best suited for dedicated race, drag, and drift builds.
95A Polyurethane
Provides excellent differential control while reducing some noise, vibration, and harshness. This option includes a matching 95A fourth-mount bushing and is ideal for high-powered street and dual-purpose cars.
Optional SLG/GForce Axles
The optional SLG/GForce axles use premium GForce Engineering components and are proven in high-power street, drag, drift, and road-racing applications.
Features include:
- 300M billet inner and outer stubs
- Heat-treated and e-coated components
- Massive axle bars
- Upgraded 930-style CV joints
- Heavy-duty hardware
- Custom fitment for the SLG Ford 8.8 conversion
The larger CV joints require additional sway-bar-link clearance. Adjustable sway-bar links are available [HERE], or the sway bar can be modified as shown in the installation instructions.
Outlaw Axle Upgrade
The Outlaw upgrade is designed for extreme-power and competition applications.
It adds:
- Upgraded-alloy CV internals
- Isotropic-finished CV components
- Reduced friction and operating temperature
- Improved grease distribution
- Reduced premature wear
- Premium ARP fasteners
Exotic Stub Upgrade
The GForce Exotic Stub Upgrade provides maximum outer-stub strength.
These stubs are manufactured from a stronger material than the standard 300M components and are designed to withstand the severe shock loads caused by hard launches, sticky tires, and wheel hop.
Shipping
Because packages with optional axles may ship in multiple boxes, international orders can require a custom shipping quote. If checkout displays “product not available,” “not available in your region,” or a similar message, contact us for a custom quote and invoice.
Terms and Conditions
Due to the intended use of high performance products, Seems Legit Garage, LLC. ("SLG”) products and each part thereof, are sold "AS IS” and with all faults. To the fullest extent allowed by law, SLG Racing Products makes NO written, oral, expressed, or implied statement of warranty or guarantee on any product or part sold. SLG will not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or special damages, including but not limited to, damage, injury, loss of life, loss of property or equipment, loss of profits or revenue, or claims from any individual or entity arising from the use of any SLG product.
RACING IS A DANGEROUS ACTIVITY AND PURCHASERS OF SLG PRODUCTS ACKNOWLEDGE THE INHERENT RISKS ASSOCIATED. SLG MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS THAT ITS PRODUCTS CAN REDUCE OR ELIMINATE ANY SUCH RISK. SLG products are NOT FOR STREET, HIGHWAY, OR AIRCRAFT USE and are intended ONLY for race vehicles operated on closed-course facilities or race tracks with appropriate supervision of qualified technicians or mechanics to ensure that the safety needs of the race driver and others are met. SLG products could be combined with other products or parts which may not be suitable and could adversely affect performance of other race parts or the vehicle. The user shall determine the ultimate suitability and safety of the product for its intended use, and the user assumes all responsibility and risk in connection therewith.
