After experiencing yet more problems in my xj8, I elected to have a mech. install the Arnott coil overs and shocks. I tried, I really did, to keep the suspension stock, but the right rear was way too high and the car was sinking now in a day or two. I'll be Ebaying everything saleable including two (2) pumps, a Bagpiping piston ring, the module and later, the valve block. So you might ask, how's she riding? I have to say that Arnott did their homework as the ride sort of mimics the air suspension, and appears more taut. Downside? Other than cost, not much. Still feels supple yet manoeverable. It's still all brand new so let's see how the passage of time leads to new discoveries. So far, smooth going.

 

The cost will be well worth peace of mind, especially when the weather gets colder. My vehicle was converted when I purchased and couldn't be happier!

 

Why don't you post the sale items on the forum first? Of coarse in the "Jaguar classified" section. Throw us a bone brother.

 

I would be very interested in buying the Module; mine appears to be U/S. I found the easiest way to remove it from the rear bulkhead was to use a chisel under the edge of the rivets and tap it patiently with a hammer...I know that sounds rather extreme, but I tried drilling the first of the rivets out and it is messy...They are large rivets and you will end up making their hole even bigger and probably hit the secondary bulkhead (a centimeter or two behind) in the process?

Obviously the rivets are quite soft, but you'll need to sharpen your chisel afterwards!

 

Make an offer. Thanks.

 

I would be interested in your feeling after a week or two with the coil overs. I no sooner got new wheel bearings in the front of my "08 and now I am getting a "suspension fault" with no apparent problems at any corner. Pretty sure I now have to spend on a compressor kit and hope that is the issue as my local Jag guy is tiring of my asking for codes but not spending any money with him. My '05 XJR is sitting because a right front strut is blown out and Jag makes it impossible to read and clear any codes or program anything without their software or buying a special reader. I really love my Jag but as it get older I am tired of chasing these faults and I am thinking that taking suspension faults out of the equation would make life a whole lot calmer. There are just too many variables when it comes to this suspension. Please let us know how your experience goes with the conversion.

 

I had two problems, right rear not reading correctly (c 1885) and all four down after a short period. In addition, I live in a fairly humid climate, which creates moisture in the system. So, I bit the bit. So far, OK. Ride is acceptable, maybe not as silky smooth, but also not sloppy. And I have other fish to fry, don't we all? Car still looks stunning in its' BRG color. I understand that Jaguar originally thought about an entry XJ sans air susp. Imagine if those proposed 'budget' cars were now most sought after! It's still an XJ, will report any changes, but now trying to clear out OBDII.

 

You made a wise decision in choosing the coil over as the original air shock suspension systems on the XJ8's were literally suitable for fair weather only. Even better, you selected Arnott coil/shocks which are simply the best based on my experience. Also, you hired a certified mechanic to do the changeover which was a very smart move as it could only guarantee a predictably successful outcome. Personally, I prefer the look and feel of my 2005 Jaguar XJ8L with the Arnott coil/springs, and the ride is so much better. In fact, I never looked back after my car's air shock suspension system was changed over in 2014.

 

I have been following this thread to see if satisfaction with the coil overs remains after a couple weeks, months etc.as I have been frustrated with suspension lights recently. However, I had an interesting observation last night that now makes me understand how hard it may be to make the decision. It involves beer!! I picked up a 12 pack of Oktoberfest bottles last night on the way home from work. I put it in the front passenger floor of the XJ for the 20 mile ride home which weaves and winds through the back roads of NW Ct. It dawned on me as I pulled in the driveway that I hadn't heard the bottles "clink" together once on the whole ride home. Suddenly the air suspension scores a few points!! Smooth...., I know none of my other cars could have pulled that off..decisions decisions.

 

For the record, I still have original CATS with no probs, but then I've only got 90k km (56k miles) on the clock.

I look forward to contributing in the future :-)

P.S. but then, I only carry cans of Woodstock.