Diff Drop Kits with Fitting Position Front Axle, Rear Axle for HSV SPORTSCAT RG

Nolathane diff drop kits protect the front driveline of a lifted independent front suspension (IFS) RG SPORTSCAT. By lowering the front differential away from the chassis, they reduce the steep CV joint angles created by a suspension lift. That helps prevent CV joints popping or breaking, reduces CV boot wear, and keeps power flowing smoothly to the front wheels on and off road.

Each Nolathane diff drop kit is a vehicle-specific, bolt-on solution that uses spacers and brackets with the factory mounting points. It also provides for refitting the original protection bash plates.

Purpose of a Diff Drop Kit

On an IFS 4WD, the front differential is bolted to the chassis, while the front wheels move up and down on control arms. CV (constant velocity) driveshafts connect the differential to each front hub, transferring drive through the changing angles as the suspension travels and the steering turns.

When you lift an IFS vehicle, the hubs sit lower relative to the chassis, but the differential stays where it was. The CV shafts now run at a steeper angle, even at normal ride height. A diff drop kit lowers the differential to bring it closer to the hubs again, reducing the working angle of the CV joints and returning them to a more comfortable operating range.

How Lifting Your RG SPORTSCAT Affects CV Joints

CV joints are designed to deliver smooth drive through a range of angles, but they have limits. They run metal on metal, relying on grease sealed inside a rubber boot, and they work hardest at steep angles.

After a lift, CV joints spend more of their time at higher angles. That can lead to:

• Accelerated CV joint wear, as the joints operate closer to their limits
• Split CV boots, as the rubber is stretched and flexed further, letting grease escape and dirt enter
• Binding at full droop, where the joint can lock up, especially with the steering at full lock
• Popping or breaking CV shafts under load, particularly off-road

A diff drop kit reduces these angles, helping the CV joints and boots last longer and reducing the risk of failure far from help.

Signs Your Lifted RG SPORTSCAT Needs a Diff Drop

• Clicking or clunking from the front when turning with 4WD engaged
• Vibration from the front driveline after a lift
• CV boots splitting or leaking grease soon after the suspension was raised
• Repeated CV joint failures on a lifted vehicle
• A lift height that pushes CV angles beyond what the factory components were designed for

Types of RG SPORTSCAT Diff Drop Kits

There are two main types of diff drop kits:

• Spacer drop kits use spacers between the factory differential mounts and the chassis to lower the differential. They?re simple and cost-effective, but they?re limited by how the factory mounts are designed.
• Bracket drop kits use new brackets to relocate the differential mounting points. They can control the differential?s position more precisely and keep it stable, and depending on the design they may also strengthen the mounting.

Nolathane diff drop kits use combinations of spacers and brackets designed for each specific vehicle, so the differential sits evenly and securely at its new height. As bolt-on kits, they?re designed to fit using the factory mounting points without cutting the original mounts.

Each listing shows the applicable vehicles, recommended lift height and kit contents.

Benefits of a Nolathane Diff Drop Kit

• Corrected CV shaft angles after a suspension lift
• Reduced risk of popping or breaking a CV driveshaft
• Less CV boot wear, keeping grease in and dirt out
• Smoother front driveline operation in 4WD
• Bolt-on installation using factory mounting points
• Provision for refitting the original bash plates, to keep the underbody protected

Drawbacks and Limitations

A diff drop kit is a worthwhile upgrade for lifted IFS vehicles, but it?s important to understand the trade-offs:

• Reduced ground clearance under the diff: lowering the differential brings it closer to the ground, though usually only by a small amount relative to the overall lift.
• A shifted operating range: dropping the diff reduces CV angles at ride height and full droop, but it changes the angle at full compression. Bump stops help keep the suspension within a safe range.
• Bash plate fitment: some diff drop designs require a new or modified bash plate. Nolathane kits make provision for refitting the original bash plates.
• It doesn?t increase CV strength: a diff drop moves the CV joints back into a better operating range, but it doesn?t change their maximum angle. Very large lifts or extreme use may also need stronger aftermarket CVs.

For most IFS 4WDs lifted around two inches or more, the benefits far outweigh these trade-offs.

Complementary Modifications for Lifted IFS Vehicles

A diff drop kit is one part of a complete IFS lift. Depending on the vehicle and lift height, consider:

• Offset or adjustable upper control arms, to restore camber and caster
• Bump stops, to limit suspension travel and protect CVs at full compression
• Brake line and ABS extension kits, to prevent stretching at full droop
• Wheel alignment, to set camber, caster and toe correctly after the lift
• Polyurethane suspension bushes, to keep alignment consistent under load

Addressing these together results in a lifted vehicle that?s reliable, safe and capable on long trips and rough tracks.

Lift Height and Compliance

Diff drop kits are designed for specific lift heights on specific vehicles, as shown on each listing. Suspension lift limits vary between states, territories and countries, so check the vehicle standards that apply where your vehicle is registered. Bolt-on designs that don?t require cutting the original mounts help keep the modification simple and reversible.

Installing a Diff Drop Kit on Your RG SPORTSCAT

Diff drop kit installation is best carried out by a professional workshop, or an experienced home mechanic with the right tools and equipment. As a general guide:

• Support the vehicle safely on stands, and support the front differential with a jack.
• Remove the bash plates and any components that block access to the differential mounts.
• Unbolt the differential mounts one at a time, or as described in the kit instructions.
• Fit the Nolathane spacers and brackets, using the supplied bolts and washers.
• Tighten all fasteners to the manufacturer?s specification.
• Refit the bash plates, check CV boots for damage, and inspect the CV shafts at full droop and full steering lock.

Have a wheel alignment carried out once the full lift installation is complete.

Lifetime Warranty

Nolathane diff drop kits are backed by a lifetime warranty against manufacturing defects in material and workmanship, for the original vehicle they?re fitted to. It reflects our confidence in the materials, design and manufacturing standards behind every Nolathane component.

Who Nolathane Diff Drop Kits Suit

Nolathane diff drop kits suit owners of lifted IFS 4WDs and utes who want to protect their CV joints and boots, and drivers experiencing CV clicks, vibration or repeated boot failures after a lift. They?re also used by touring and off-road drivers who rely on 4WD in remote areas, and by workshops completing IFS lift installations.

Shop Diff Drop Kits for Your RG SPORTSCAT

Fix CV angles on lifted 4x4s, and find more repair parts, in Nolathane's suspension parts range.

Find the diff drop kit for your RG SPORTSCAT, then order online with fast shipping or have it fitted by a Nolathane reseller. Our fitment guarantee means you get the right kit first time, and our local support team can help you plan a complete lift for your RG SPORTSCAT.