I just installed my all new Arnott ind. coilover conversion on my 2004 XJ8. I must say, very easy installation. It does not quite drive the same as the car did with the air suspension, but it is a great piece of mind knowing for sure that I do not have to worry about blowing an air strut on a long trip again. I have noticed one thing though. I am getting a clunk type sound now, coming off of large bumps. What im wondering is, Is there a break in period for new coils and shocks that I should let the suspension work through before getting too concerned with new and odd sounds. The sound is only happening when the weight of the front of the car is bearing down on the shocks, like when rolling off the other side of a speed bump. It is not happening when I drive very slow though and taking the bumps that I know that cause it easy. Any advise?

 

The car drives a little bit softer it seems. A little bouncy. Still drives great though. I still enjoy it very much.

 

usmc1211 could you please put a little more words on the driving experience - is the car more soft? does it roll?
Thanks
Martin

 

It does not roll that bad. It does some. The ride is soft. It is still definitely worth the money to replace the air suspension with the coil overs. I do not have to worry about blowing them anymore. On the subject of the noise from the front end. I put the car up on the lift and saw what I have seen already, my ball joints and tie rod ends are worn pretty badly. So, I want to start there. Can new ball joints be pressed into the upper control arms? or do I have no choice but to replace the whole upper control arm?

 

Clearly if a balljoint is pressed into the arm when its made, another can be pressed in once the duff one has been pressed out, but are the balljoints available and have you a facility to do this, or know an indy that can ?
I haven't seen any bushes or joints on sale for the upper arm, only the complete arm. This UK internet supplier shipping worldwide has them at probably the lowest price for a new part. Forged/machined aluminium arm, with two bushes and one balljoint; its not a bad deal, really.

Jaguar S-Type, X350, XF Wishbone Upper Front Kinked RH (XR857652#) | JustJagsUK.com=

 

Thanks for your feedback usmc1211 So it rides softer which as far as I am concerned is good.