Hi there

I am currently replacing my 30-year-old factory "sport" shocks with more comfortable "comfort" shocks. As I do this,
I am also considering replacing the old factory springs with lowered springs.
These new springs will be approximately 30mm shorter and a bit stiffer. They have been professionally designed for my XJ6 X300,
taking into account the weight of the AJ6 to ensure the correct tension increase,
So I won't be cutting standard springs!!.

I understand that many factors could affect the overall suspension setup,
But I believe that the combination of lowered springs and comfort shocks will make the suspension feel similar to that of an XJR
.(This is based on my understanding of the factory specifications for spring height and shock setup, although I could be mistaken.)

I am interested in finding out what others have experienced regarding lowering their cars. Did anyone regret making the change?

I'm aware that the geometry will be affected, but I plan to get everything aligned afterwards.

Has anyone had issues using the 16-inch rims with 195/65 tires, which I assume are standard? I’ve noticed many people opting for 19-inch aftermarket wheels.

For those who have lowered their cars with this spring setup, did you encounter any rubbing against the wheel well or wheel arch? How was the turning radius—was everything clear?

so many things may change people's experiences in handling; I'm hoping these can be overcome with adjustments to compensate.

One reason I'm seeking feedback is my hesitation regarding driving in urban areas. Many places have traffic calming measures, such as raised crossings, speed bumps, and speed humps.
However, I believe that maintaining the correct speed and manoeuvring—like crossing at an angle or taking it one wheel at a time—can help mitigate these challenges.
I'm also wondering if the novelty of these driving conditions might wear off and eventually become more of a chore.

I wonder if the decreasing bumper height will become an issue, especially since many cars on the road now are SUV-sized.
I expect that traffic calming measures will be designed with higher clearance vehicles in mind. In New Zealand, we don’t have compulsory insurance, which is fine for me;
after 30 years of driving experience, I’ve never had a crash. However, I believe in the saying "never say never"—it's the other drivers on the road that worry me!

I'm not a big fan of Moding XJ Jaguars with body kits, tints or spoilers, etc.
so I like my X300 looking classic & OEM, although a lower ride height looks appealing to me
But I guess I should be conscious of the handling & clearances,

Can anyone with experience in this area talk me out of the idea?
or can anyone vouch that not only is this doable, but made an overall improvement in handling, stability & comfort?.

I am still undecided. I will no doubt keep the Standard springs handy should I regret my decision.
But that would be $700 wasted on springy paper weights if I end up going back to stock standard springs.

All input would be appreciated. Thanks


https://www.cobrasprings.co.nz/our-springs

 

ALL, or just experienced?

My XJ ride height experience is limited to trying to get the saggy rear end to match up to the front by replacing missing spring seats, worn isolators, and adding packers. The red car in your post appears to be at the correct ride height.

If you must lower a car, the spring rate and damping rate need to INCREASE or you'll abuse the bumpstops and the ride will suffer. The X300 is already a pretty low chassis, by dint of its fuel tank being behind the rear seat rather than below it.

 

Yes it is currently the correct Height ,
I am considering installing lowered springs so about 30mm below the standard height,
indeed the tension will need to be stiffer (as it will be in the consideration of calculation of the springs),

But yes the X300 is already quite low, so lower stiffer springs and shocks will change both the appearance and handling
although I'm not sure if its a wise thing to do to achieve the aesthetics but a crazy thing to do that will determent the performance!?

Admittedly its abit of a thought exercise as I am changing to stiffer shocks but I may as well do the springs (lower) while I'm at it!
I guess its a crazy thought ,lol

 

Sloane, when you get 85 you should always put your glasses on.
That was a order number, just look up Front springs for Jaguar XK8 and you will see them for about $179. Sorry

 

Hehe , fair enough
I'm halfway there myself
I have massive respect for the older Engineers, Mechanics & Tinkerers, as they often have Experience as well as Wisdom
which is hard to come by and always in short supply!.

Anyway, I have now ordered all my 'Comfort' shocks, which are stiffer than the factory shocks
Considering the shocks are over 30yrs old (and the dampners that came with them (red rubber) has deteriorated) it was time to change them
but rather than adding the OEM type of shocks ( which more a soft 'sport' feel ) these will have a better bounce (like a Basketball - a nice 'Donk" )

I had to order the front ones from the U.S via https://www.shockwarehouse.com/produ...43405093404904
as these have the 'comfort' level and the Pins on top (like the rear) but forks at the end where as the rear have an Eye at the end
but even after ordering the rear from U.S to a U.S postbox to then get shipped to N.Z they were cheaper each than a pair of Rear shocks
https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/k...PO4279273.html
(note the images are stock ,but I know these have pin at top & eye at bottom) .

The more I think about lowering the X300 the more I have a feeling I may regret it,
so I might just keep the original factory springs as they seem to do the job (if it aint broke and all that!)
because adding lowered springs would certainly remove the gap & there would be little travel to the bumpstops.

It was worth the thought exercise though.