I'm finding conflicting information on correct tire size for my 96 XJ12 (16x7 wheels). Is 55 or 60 aspect ratio proper for the 225/xxR16's or maybe it doesn't matter?

Would a Z speed rating give a more harsh ride than a V?

Also, tire brand/model recommendations?

Thanks

 

As far as I know all the USA cars had standard suspension and 225/60x16 tires.

The 55-series tires were used with the optional Sports Suspension....which was not offered on USA market cars

As for tires....what are your priorities? Long tread life? Noise/comfort/ride? Cornering traction? Wet tractions?

If you just want a quality tire with good all-round characteristics I had great luck with 2 sets of BF Goodrich Advantage TA, 225/60x16, V-speed rating. No vices, no problems, last about 40k miles, good wet and dry traction, quiet.

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks. Quietness would be a priority. This will be a fair weather driver but I don't want to give up wet traction.

 

60's for the 16" rims is the best. 55's look too small for the wheel openings in my opinion. But... it looks as though you have upgraded your wheels! 18" XK8 rims?

 

Thanks for the info. I ended up getting lucky and finding a set of asteroid wheels locally that I believe only came on the 2000-03 XJR. 18x8's wrapped them with 255/40 W-rated Conti's. Debated about diverging from the stock look but I think they look great with the white. I was worried that the ride would become more harsh but I think they ride smoother than the 15 year old Toyo's the car came with.

 

Hey, looks badass! Yes it looks like an XJR... But you've got a secret under that hood don't you? It now looks like a completely different vehicle now that it is de-golded too. You've done well.

 

Good looking Jag. I have run Goodyear Assurance triple tread 255/60R16 on all my XJ's past and present. Decent tire with a high end looking tread design (for those who care) and not ridiculously priced.

 

BF Goodrich ADVANTAGE T/A - SIZE: 225/60R16

I've got a dodgy tire, contemplating buying 4 of these for the winter, anyone had any experience with them? any other recommendations?

 

I had two sets of these on my X300. I liked 'em. No vices, no downside. Good wet/dry traction, no hydro-planing, quiet, good tread life (40K+ miles) , v-speed rating, no lumps/bumps-vibrations, reasonable price.

Cheers
DD

 

thanks - great feedback!!

 

By the standard suspension that would include softer shocks and total suspension bushings with the exception on the engine mounts and V mounts and such ?

The front suspension sway bar iameter so the new bushings fit ?

See the 3 different sizes 25 , 24 , and 22 mm

https://www.powerflexusa.com/shop/ca...1994-2002-1849

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

Poor picture on the updated parts website

 

This is intriguing me about the sway bar diameter. Anyone in europe have the sports suspension package? I'd like to know more about that....I'm still figuring out what is worth spending money on for urethane and what is ok using oem rubber.

 

I'm not sure about bushings. The primary differences between standard/comfort suspension and the 'sport' package is springs, shocks, ARB diameter, and addition of a rear ARB/sway bar

Not sure if I understand the question but just measure your existing bar and order accordingly.

Cheers
DD

 

I had an XJR for years. The 'sport' suspension is very similar to the XJR suspension. The difference between the sport/XJR and a standard car is significant and unmistakable, having driven both

Cheers
DD

 

Oliver ,

I get confused when the term sport is used on the X300 series

Does it refer to the stirpped down " Executive " model in Europe ?

I hear the term sport used in reference to owners referring to US models

I do not own a V12 version but a normally aspirated inline 4.0 liter AJ16 in a Sovereign

To go into detail from what I understand and what you are trying to obtain venturing from the original factory package . Since you are dismantling the components you might consider Andy links for the front suspension and the upgraded rear suspension Bushed differential strut used and obtained from the later X308

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

Hit the small box icons for the part # and notice the different bushing densities ( notice the sport and comfort terms ) if it makes much of a difference in a central suspension geometry component , the bushings can easily be replaced and available

I have not installed my X308 rear differential strut on my X300 yet but the upper mount bolts are different and has a clip nut vs. just a nut . Whether this make a difference on installation I have not determined but others have gone through it in posters like " cdma " so grab the hardware at the salvage yard

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/members/cdma-143139/

The mass of your V12 being heavier has a consideration on your suspension components like the bushing densities close in geometry into the engine mounts in my opinion which may include the Vee mount bushing

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rience-130749/





Rear sway bar

 

"Executive" is the low-specification model. Fewer standard features than the regular XJ6. Not sold in the USA as far as I know.

You could buy a "3.2 Sport" or "4.0 Sport". These were the non-supercharged 6-cylinder cars with sport suspension...which was similar to the XJR suspension. A badge on the center pillar identifies it as a "Sport" model

The V12 X300 had either 'comfort' or 'sport' suspension. As far as I know, there was no 'sport' badging even if the sport suspension was installed. Not 100% sure though.

As far as I know none of the "sport" models were offered in the USA.....the XJR being the only sporty offering.

Later, on the X308 cars, the "Sport" model was available in the USA for at least some model years. Non-supercharged engine but sport suspension/wheels

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks this is all very useful info! I am just trying to find out as much as possible and pre order bushings, ball joints etc before I drop my front end for fettling.

 

From a parts book point of view look at the difference between the inline 6 and the V12 on the bushing densities

https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/

 

Hello,

I've watched this post drift into suspension types.

I think I have a good idea now what to do with this '96V12 I picked up. The shocks are toast, and car rides like a boat on water.

I first thought about swapping on all 4 shocks from a parts XJR6 I have. Then here, I found the R has better (stiffer) springs too.

Then the rear away bar was discussed.....Hmmmm.

So, I think the way to go is to put the whole rear suspension from the R in, and swap in the front springs and shocks.

The front sway bar is the same from both cars I believe.

Am I missing anything that would make this big car handle better? I've had good luck swapping parts on earlier models, such as V12 sway bar on a 6 car etc.

Thanks for helping me get this right.

Cheers,

Rob

 

I see that the XJ12's came with 3.58 diffs, and the XJR6 3.27.

I wonder if it's worth swapping the diffs so I can keep the 3.58, if changing the IRS complete from XJR6.

I'm guessing it is worth swapping, but that's more work.

Rob