Had our 2004 XJ8 converted to coilovers last year. This is just a very brief follow up. At around 2000 miles give or take, there is a lot to like here. For one, it's a tighter road feel, including steering. It's nice to drive a big sports car, with touring capabilities. It's nice to have a strong V8. This is a smooth drivetrain, and never jarring. The look of this car on BRG although not flawless, is of a kind showing regal heritage through careful engineering. So for under 10k so far, completely manageable and likeable, and an amazing value. The suspension springs and shocks are new, that means I can now concentrate on other areas of concern. If I sound as if my nose is slightly uplifted, well perhaps it's true.

 

I too have an '04 XJ8 with a recent Arnott conversion and agree. Ride & handling is impressive but mine is still sitting high and has not settled. Did yours?

 

It takes about 1000 miles for Arnott to settle. Time and miles are the answer. The car speaks for itself. It's still a stunner! Nothing quite like it.

 

I have a 2005 XJR that I converted to Arnott 3 years ago. It was one of the best decisions I made for this vehicle. We have massive swings in temperature and it just reeked havoc on the air system.

The ride is more connected to the road I feel the road a little bit more but that may be because the suspension bushings were shot and the air suspension was a bit mush. The car corners well and absorbs road undulations well.

It does ride a little high however from initial installation it has settled about a half inch.
Griff

 

I so want to be able to make this leap and read this post as my 05 XJR fell flat on its face this week with the second set of rebuilds that I have put in it in 6 months. I don't even want to call the rebuild company as they are probably tired of hearing from me. I worry that going to coilover may detract from the value of the car as I am looking for an XKR convertible and may want to sell the XJR down the road. I am really tired of changing out struts though. I think I will read the post again and maybe spur myself into action .......

 

I felt the same way. Value of the car is toast, unfortunately my car has a list of gremlins so one down five or so to go, but I like this car! My wife uses it for the beach, folks think we are rich. Ha ha!

 

Ha Ha is right! I probably would be rich if I didn't have to keep shipping out struts for rebuilds. And you are probably right about value. Right now I wouldn't even attempt to sell the car with the suspension dropping so quickly. I had changed out a set in March under warranty (for the second time) and all had been okay though I suspected the right front still wasn't correct even with the warranty unit. Had it under the cover for a couple of weeks. Was on stay-cation with the Mrs. last week and thought It would be nice to drive it for a few days. Pulled the cover off and there it was, flat on the ground. Luckily it aired up each time for a few days and I could drive it but I am so tired of dealing with air ride. I think you guys are convincing me.

Just curious, did you put the standard Arnott set in or the new Eibach/Eibach set they are advertising?

 

Went with standard Arnott, mech installed. Had a few issues, but car is stable now. I did the Bagpiping Andy one strut also. Rebuilts are just not that tight, very complex system, one wheel maxed up position, then car flat next morning, yadda yadda. I have two pumps to sell! Glad it's over. Good when new, then trouble.

 

Well I will say thanks for the follow up and jump out of the thread. I literally was pricing two front Bilsteins this weekend because I just won't deal with rebuilds anymore, and was thinking to myself "for the same money as fronts I could just do the whole conversion". Then today your thread pops up. I say that is divine intervention !!!

 

I installed a set of ARNOTT coil springs on a 2004 VDP about 3 years ago and it is still sitting at a normal stance.
The kit came with the suspension module delete components and it was an easy install except for the fact that the coil spring units are a little taller than the air spring units.
The longer dampers make it more difficult to maneuver into place.

Use the nuts that come in the kit and NOT the original Jaguar nuts. (instructions with the springs state that the supplied nuts must be used)

bob

 

As for the 'Divine Intervention,' you are welcome my son.

 

For what it's worth, I just picked up an 04 XJR with 82,000 miles and was relieved that the air suspension was already replaced with coilovers. Just one less thing to worry about in the future. Cheers!

 

Had the Beach Bugger out today, I'm fussy w gas and additives, oil, etc., It's going down the road really well. Wife Luvs it! She even puts the cover on!

 

I bought a 2008 VDP with Arnott conversion. My brother has his with Air Suspension. We both agree that coil overs is the way to go. Better connection to the road and it makes it feel more like a driver’s touring car, not just an executive passenger luxo-mobile. Take the leap, no faith needed. You’ll see 😉

 

Just converted an 2008 XJ and it sits HIGH!!!
Sure hoping from these comments the back settles a good bit. A royal pain to get the back springs on because they are longer than the air stut's.
Used a 6' pry bar on the suspension arms to get them far enough apart to get the bolts in. Took 2 people. One pushing on the bar while I struggled to put the rear lower bolt in.
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I experienced a little difficulty when I installed my conversion but when I compared the static height of the new Arnott coilovers they were very close to the ones I removed. Mine did settle after a short time and looks great now. I am glad I did not require an extra person as I really didn't want to involve anyone else. I am getting slower now and find others don't like to wait on me to remember where I laid my last socket or ratchet.