E46 & Z4 Ford 8.8 Bundle

BMW E46 Ford 8.8 IRS Complete Swap Bundle
 
Everything you need to convert your BMW E46 to the legendary Ford 8.8 IRS differential.
This complete package combines our custom Ford 8.8 swap subframe, SLG/GForce axles, fully rebuilt differential, and a one-piece aluminum driveshaft into a proven, ready-to-install drivetrain solution.
 
Installation Video: [HERE]
Installation Instructions: [HERE]
 
Whether your car is built for the street, road course, drag racing, drifting, or a combination of everything, this package eliminates the guesswork of piecing together a complete Ford 8.8 conversion.
 
The standard differential is built with new Ford Performance gears and a carbon-clutch limited-slip differential. Custom differential options, including OS Giken and Wavetrac units, are also available. Contact us for ordering custom configurations.
 
Kit Includes
Legit TIG Ford 8.8 swap subframe
Choice of gold zinc coating or black powdercoat
SLG/GForce custom axle assemblies
Custom ABS tone rings
Fully rebuilt Ford Explorer 8.8 IRS differential
New Ford Performance ring-and-pinion gears
Carbon-clutch limited-slip differential
Custom 3.5-inch one-piece aluminum driveshaft (Can built to suit any engine/trans combo)
 
Differential Compatibility
This conversion is based around the aluminum independent-rear-suspension 8.8-inch differential found in:
2006–2010 Ford Explorer
2006–2010 Mercury Mountaineer
 
The differential is completely rebuilt before shipment using new Ford Performance gears, bearings, seals, and LSD.
 
Gear ratio and differential upgrades can be selected to match the intended use of the vehicle. If you need any not listed, just let us know. 
 
Why the Ford 8.8?
The Ford 8.8 is one of the most proven and widely supported differentials available.
 
The aluminum Explorer IRS housing weighs approximately 15 pounds less than the iron BMW M differential while offering substantially more aftermarket support. A massive selection of gear ratios, limited-slip differentials, bearings, seals, and rebuild components is readily available from major performance retailers and local parts suppliers.
 
This makes the Ford 8.8 easier to build, service, and upgrade than many factory BMW differential options.
 
Custom SLG Subframe
The SLG Ford 8.8 conversion subframe is designed and manufactured in the USA. Each subframe is laser cut and TIG welded using detailed CAD models of both the BMW E46 chassis and Ford 8.8 differential. The design maintains the factory suspension pickup-point locations and retains compatibility with standard E46 subframe bushings.
 
The Ford 8.8 housing is incorporated as a stressed structural member, taking advantage of the strength of its large cast-aluminum case.
 
Subframe features include:
Factory suspension pickup-point locations
Compatibility with standard E46 subframe bushings
OEM-style chassis mounting
Laser-cut steel construction
TIG-welded assembly
Designed and manufactured in the USA
 
We recommend Revshift polyurethane subframe bushings for most performance applications.
 
SLG/GForce Custom Axles
The included axle package was developed specifically for the E46 Ford 8.8 conversion.
 
Billet, heat-treated outer wheel stubs replace the weaker factory M3 and 330 components. Custom ABS tone rings retain factory-style wheel-speed signal operation, while upgraded 108 mm CV joints and large axle bars provide the strength required for high-power applications.
 
Each axle assembly includes:
Billet steel inner and outer stubs
Heat-treated and e-coated components
Custom ABS tone rings
Upgraded 108 mm CV joints
Heavy-duty axle bars
 
Outlaw Axle Upgrade
For high-power and competition applications, the optional Outlaw upgrade provides an even more durable axle assembly.
 
Outlaw features include:
Upgraded billet internal components
Higher-strength axle hardware
Isotropic-finished CV joint surfaces
Reduced friction and operating temperature
Improved grease distribution
Reduced premature CV wear
Premium ARP fasteners
 
The isotropic finishing process creates an extremely smooth, mirror-like surface that improves CV operation and durability under severe loads.
 
Exotic Stub Upgrade
For maximum launch strength, select the GForce Exotic Stub Upgrade.
 
These outer stubs are manufactured from a higher-strength material than the standard 300M components and are designed to withstand the severe shock loads created during aggressive launches, drag racing, and high-power competition use.
 
One-Piece Aluminum Driveshaft
Each package includes a custom 3.5-inch one-piece aluminum driveshaft configured for your engine and transmission combination.
 
The driveshaft connects your selected transmission directly to the Ford 8.8 differential, completing the conversion without requiring the customer to source or fabricate a separate shaft. If you have a setup we havnt done yet, or is custom, just install the diff and subframe and take soem measurements, we can usually make a shaft within 2 days. 
 
Installation Requirements
Requires BMW E46 330 or M3 rear trailing arms
Upper-control-arm clearancing may be required for the larger CV joints
Requires an M3-style rear sway bar
Compatible with standard E46 subframe bushings
 
Shipping Information
Because this package ships in multiple boxes, international orders may require a custom shipping quote. If checkout displays “product not available,” “not available in your region,” or a similar message, contact us for a personalized shipping quote and invoice.