I have a 2004 XJ8 and I replaced all the bushings and links in the right rear today.
One part is concerning me.
The car only has 45,000 mi , so I don't think the linkage has ever been worked on.
My aftermarket sway bar link is clearly labeled right, but the aftermarket left labeled linkage orientation is oriented as was the part which I took off the car. Did the factory switch sides or is the aftermarket part labeled incorrectly?
Frankly, the aftermarket part looks oriented correctly, and the what must be a factory part, which just came off the car, incorrectly. Just by common sense


I think the aftermarket part looks as if it is labeled correctly.
I hope that makes sense.
Can someone shed some light? I could order a Jaguar OEM right linkage to match up to my aftermarket, but that seems a waste of time and money.

Both are the same part

Ok, I guess you mean in the factory catalogue the ordering part number is the same?
The aftermarket parts I have are a different orientation and part numbers.

Seems that mine swiveled to fit either side

My left and right aftermarket parts are different geometry.

from Rockauto

Well, that's done. On to the transmission new aluminum pan and fluids.

How about the rear lowers, mine needed replaced along with the uppers?

I did not show the lower arms in the picture because they are back in the car. I purchased bushings off eBay and had three new bushings pressed in per side.
The parts I purchased through eBay seemed good quality. If you are careful how you shop, you can find everything at good savings, and again, seemed good quality. If you don't want to go to the trouble of pressing in new bushings, it really is a wash pressing in new bushings versus buying the whole arm with bushings. I am at least recycling a complex part.
I am replacing the transmission pan with an aluminum Uropart next. I think it's a fail by Jaguar not having a transmission dipstick on this car. Think of how much easier it would be to top up your transmission with a dipstick tube. But that may be the point if you believe dealers want your business. $$$$$

I agree with you but it was ZF who removed the dipstick. Not Jaguar. There is the ZF 5 speed transmission that you can add an aftermarket dipstick too. But all the 6 speed, 8 speed and 10 speed transmissions I have worked on have no dipsticks anymore.
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I apologize to Jaguar. God Save the Queen.

for the info