GTO 8.8 IRS Swap - Part 3 Installing the Differential

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Today we're installing the 8.8 Diff into GTO. The series is on building a strong 8.8 IRS Third Member for Street and Drag Racing. The 04-06 GTO 8.8 IRS swap kit is engineered by Thomas Hendrix from Hendrix Engineering. People have been using the ford 8.8 in various applications for years and it has proven to be strong. Be sure to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss any of the upcoming videos where we put this 8.8 into the GTO

[@andrewnleon]

I already sent this to the shop man this has been a great help visually for the professionals!

[@hook937]

I hope it helps!

[@CarsSimplified]

Nicely done! Great sounding GTO, too!

[@hook937]

Thanks, its all because of that Texas Speed Cam tho

[@Stinky_G04t]

The crush sleeve elminator do you have the part number

[@F1agto]

What about the VSS

[@suppermuddyjeep]

She sounds good! Looking forward to the next video.

[@hook937]

Thanks buddy, 1969 C10 small block on the dyno in the next video

[@captainkilos]

Are you installing a new diff that doesn’t come with the car?

[@hook937]

Yea, this is the Ford 8.8 diff.

[@captainkilos]

@@hook937 thank you! so the lsd that comes stock isn't that good drifting?

[@zextreme533]

Hey Hook937 can you tell me what part number those rear Vikings shocks are? Nice video btw

[@BIGTONY2132001]

Right before I saw this video I was messaging Thomas Hendrix about this setup, thanks for the videos!! (you may be hearing from me soon for some advice)

[@hook937]

Always down to help when I can, thanks for checking out the channel

[@BIGTONY2132001]

@@hook937 I appreciate that thank you! Oh and that's an awesome ride you have!

[@slow6six620]

Will the stock axles work with the 8.8?

[@hook937]

No they won’t

[@sparksadventures9140]

Good video! I’m doing the swap as well but have to figure out the brackets! Hendrix is the only one that makes them and he won’t sell them separately. Kinda sucks but It is what it is!

[@brettfavre1875]

I got a extra rear bracket for gto 8.8 swap 1 that goes from diff cover 2 car sane 1 as video has Hendrix engineering stamp right on it

[@hook937]

I’ve seen a few guys online make their own but after have to buy the DS and axles separately they didn’t save much. Hopefully no matter what route you choose it works out for you

[@sparksadventures9140]

@@hook937 yessir! So I’m actually pretty sure I’m just going to go sra at this point! I’ve got a 8.8 SRA that should fits nicely when I’m done narrowing it. Do a ladder bar set up and be done! What made you stay IRS?

[@johnnywalden5948]

How you going to tell us you’re about to take it on the streets then cut to it parked back in the garage haha. Can’t wait for the next video!

[@hook937]

Dyno and street drive in the next (last) 8.8 video

[@coarsegrind]

Clearance the case!! Don't grind the carrier!! It will be out of balance if you do!!

[@hook937]

I did a little on both, a couple thousandths. Got it to 160mph on the dyno and no issues

[@millenniumeramuscle]

Did you align the rear cradle properly after dropping it out? I know that will throw off the rear diff mounting points like you had happen.

[@hook937]

Yes, I have the cradle alignment tool.

[@5josegarcia5]

What was that thing you used after putting in the driveshaft and tightened it by hand? Just curious

[@hook937]

I just used a pry bar

[@LSXmafia07]

I need to rebuild the rear end on my car

[@hook937]

The stock GTO diff was never intended for high HP. They came in cars with V6's in Australia, however you can modify them to hold up but for my car because Im drag racing I made the switch

[@hoonaticbloggs5402]

@@hook937 That’s not technically correct. The v8 and v6 diffs are different but the housing is the same . Borg worner m78 in the v6 and m80 in the v8

[@lancehunt2699]

@@hook937 wrong. I make 700 fine on my stock diff.

[@49breal]

Thinking about the g force rear for my 04. Hear anything bad/good about it? One piece drive shaft was def the best upgrade I did to the car

[@delagto_5340]

How did the car feel before and after the 1 piece

[@49breal]

@@delagto_5340 felt more responsive. Old one has a rubber bushing at the pumpkin that i guess gives it some play. This is metal on metal.. I also changed the clutch(spec stage 2.5) and fly wheel at the same time. So I'll say the harder biting clutch and solid shaft definitely give it a little extra go

[@hook937]

It all depends on your goals. 600whp street car... stock diff or slightly built isn’t bad. 1,000+ drag car... I’d upgrade lol

[@delagto_5340]

I live in Cali and she’s my daily so street car it is lol

[@49breal]

@@hook937 yeah I thought about just doing axle shafts and axles and bumping the gears to 373 or 391s. Def keeping it street. Owned it since new, dont wanna tear it apart too much

[@falfool2912]

I have a 5th gen SS irs laying around do you think I can swap it into my gto