I am in the process of overhauling my rear suspension and anything else back in there, while I have everything stripped out. I have the replacement shocks and am putting a shopping list together with a Jag main dealer, for various bushes etc. I enquired about the "Bush differential strut" with regard to whether the entire strut must be replaced or could I just replace the bushes at either end. The reply came back that the part is no longer available and must be replaced with a one piece unit that replaces the two individual struts. An accompanying image from the Jag parts catalogue shows it as being for the XK8 Coupe/ Convertible, VIN to 042775. My car is an XJ6 Sovereign (3.2 1997) VIN805131. So, are we talking about two completely different models and an error on the part of the Jag dealer, or am I missing something? Does anyone have any experience in replacing/servicing the parts in question?

Many thanks in advance.

 

It could be worth trying British Parts UK:

Jaguar X300 - XJR--Differential

Their MJA3715AB2 Bush - Differential Strut is listed as fitting a variety of X300, X308 and XK8 models from 1997 on.

Graham

 

That part was updated at some point. I cannot remember when but I always thought its was mid X300 like 96 model year. I wouldn't expect to see it on a late car such as yours. I have one very close to yours but have not paid any attention to that piece. Like I said, though, it was updated from two struts with bushings to a one piece frame assembly. I think it was to soften the 3-4 shift in the automatic cars. Somehow it worked as I do remember updating a car and it did change the shift feeling. The bulletin containing the "monostrut" that replaces the two struts you have is 8.1-03. The V8 cars got the one piece monostrut and never used the two individual struts at all.

As far as the pedulum bushes, those are for the huge cast iron square ring around the front of the diff housing. The monostrut bushings are replaceable as well but I would have no idea if it actually the same bushing as the two individual struts have.

 

Many thanks for your input gents and an email from the Jag supplier confirms what you say, in that the individual struts were superceded by a one piece strut during 96-97. I am being quoted €300+ for this part, so replacing the bushes on my existing struts is a tempting and more desirable alternative. I will look into this possibility and report back, just for future reference, should anyone else find themselves in that neck of the woods.

Thanks again