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I just recently completed the rear differential swap from stock to a Ford 8.0 with LSD. The 8.0 was from Lincoln LS and was fitted with a second hand LSD Carrier and 2:88 gears from another X350 diff. The pinion shaft bearings of the 8.0 and the X350 are the same part numbers and the ring gear from the X350 bolted up to the LSD. All was assembled with new bearings, crush sleeve, clutch pack and seals. The gear set out of the Lincoln LS is a 3:58 ratio to it will be saved for the future.
The next step was to acquire a set of 2003 S-Type R axles. The stub axle the fits the 8.0 diff is about an inch longer than the X350 shafts and the right side axle is shorter in overall length. Axles were sourced from a wrecking yard for $60.00 each. So between the used 8.0 diff for $75.00, used LSD for $90.00, new bearings and seals, i was in the project for about $300.00 less labor (Me) and fluids.
My next concern was being able to remove the differential with out dropping down the carriage. The bolts holding the carriage to the body were of concern. I had some difficulties removing the carriage from a 2006 S-Type I scrapped due to a seized bolt and I didn't want to deal with the same issue on my XJR.. So the carriage was left in place.
My XJR
The process starts.
And the Diff is out.
The Ford 8.0 ready to go in.
It is in.
Next big concern was the wheel speed sensor ring.. The S-Type R axle rings are larger in diameter then the X350s so i had to shim out the sensors with some washers for clearance. I hope this doesn't trigger the ABS/ traction control warning light.
In all the job wasn't to bad. Of course i have a lift in a garage with heat, stereo and fridge full of beer, but the job could have be done with some jack stands. Largest issue was a snapped 6MM bolt holding in one of ABS sensors. One trip to Ace hardware for a reverse drill bit and a trip to Home Depot for he tap that #*^@ Ace was out of, $40.00 the busted bolt was out, hole tapped and all back together.
Car drives quiet with no vibrations. I will give it a few miles for the gear oil to soak into the clutches and to break in. Then give a test on some dry pavement with some worn out Pirelli tires to see how it hooks.
Wooford XJR
Absolutely beautiful write up of the LSD swap! This is something I’m definitely going to research and look into for my 2006 S Type R. Have been wanting a more affordable LSD option for my Jag and this looks like the way to go.
That is one impressive project and write-up, Wooford XJR. I, too, wish you were a neighbor. With talent like yours, I'd never have to worry about keeping my cars sorted.
Thanks for documenting all that.
Neighbors have all kinds of Ideas about using my lift. I have a policy that if it cannot be fixed in a couple of hours, find another lift. I bought it for me to use.
Not so much your lift. I have one. Your knowledge. If you can figure out all the above, I imagine there's not much you couldn't figure out. When it comes to troubleshooting my cars, I'm usually talking to myself. Sometimes some help from the forums. Just saying it would be nice to have a neighbor to consult with.
I just recently completed the rear differential swap from stock to a Ford 8.0 with LSD. The 8.0 was from Lincoln LS and was fitted with a second hand LSD Carrier and 2:88 gears from another X350 diff. The pinion shaft bearings of the 8.0 and the X350 are the same part numbers and the ring gear from the X350 bolted up to the LSD. All was assembled with new bearings, crush sleeve, clutch pack and seals. The gear set out of the Lincoln LS is a 3:58 ratio to it will be saved for the future.
The next step was to acquire a set of 2003 S-Type R axles. The stub axle the fits the 8.0 diff is about an inch longer than the X350 shafts and the right side axle is shorter in overall length. Axles were sourced from a wrecking yard for $60.00 each. So between the used 8.0 diff for $75.00, used LSD for $90.00, new bearings and seals, i was in the project for about $300.00 less labor (Me) and fluids.
My next concern was being able to remove the differential with out dropping down the carriage. The bolts holding the carriage to the body were of concern. I had some difficulties removing the carriage from a 2006 S-Type I scrapped due to a seized bolt and I didn't want to deal with the same issue on my XJR.. So the carriage was left in place.
My XJR
The process starts.
And the Diff is out.
The Ford 8.0 ready to go in.
It is in.
Next big concern was the wheel speed sensor ring.. The S-Type R axle rings are larger in diameter then the X350s so i had to shim out the sensors with some washers for clearance. I hope this doesn't trigger the ABS/ traction control warning light.
In all the job wasn't to bad. Of course i have a lift in a garage with heat, stereo and fridge full of beer, but the job could have be done with some jack stands. Largest issue was a snapped 6MM bolt holding in one of ABS sensors. One trip to Ace hardware for a reverse drill bit and a trip to Home Depot for he tap that #*^@ Ace was out of, $40.00 the busted bolt was out, hole tapped and all back together.
Car drives quiet with no vibrations. I will give it a few miles for the gear oil to soak into the clutches and to break in. Then give a test on some dry pavement with some worn out Pirelli tires to see how it hooks.
Wooford XJR
Hey there, new member but not new to working on cars. My question is simple. I have an 03 S Type R project I picked up. When reading your post, can I take an 8.0 out of an LS, my tru loc I have for an old Mustang project that didn’t work out, 28 spline and simply plug and play? I know the gearing would be different which I would have to adjust for the new gearing. The diff I was about fo source is from an 04 LS, is there a certain year model needed? Any comments would be helpful and appreciated. Thanks.
