I have offered to replace the front road springs on my friend's 1996 3.2 Sovereign because it failed the MOT due to a broken spring. I replaced my springs on my 1984 series 3 4.2 a few years back and believe it is a similar job.
However, I am having trouble finding the correct springs.
I can buy the sport springs part number JLM12163
but I understand I need the standard springs but cannot find the standard springs part number.
I would be very grateful if a member could give me some information.
Thanking you in advance.
Regards Danny

 

The spring is listed by jaguar Land Rover Classic Parts as JLM12241 (no longer available).
https://parts.jaguarlandroverclassic.../brand/jaguar/


Xj 1995 - 1997 (from 720125 To 812255) (x300) Classic / Road Spring And Damper-front

 

Many thanks for your help.
I am in the UK and David Manners actually have stock of JLM12241.
They are more than likely after market but I am going to get them and hope they are up to the job.
Kindest regards
Danny.

 

G’day Danny,

There is a wealth of info re front springs and how to replace them in this forum and if you use the search function (Top Right) you will be swamped with everything you need.

Cheers,
Jeff.

P.S. Also search the XJ12/X305 forum.

 

As always when someone mentions front springs on x300, a mandatory warning, unless you're using a proper Jag spring compressor tool, which goes through centre of the spring and attaches to the spring cup(you can make it yourself), make sure you always have it secured with straps or side compressors.
Never leave the spring unsecured while e.g. using threaded rods approach to remove, all that is holding the spring in place while the car is off the ground is a ball joint and if that somehow pops it will kill you instantly. There are people out there that got proper maimed for life by these springs. They are not a joke.

 

Thank you for your post. I am indeed aware of the danger with these springs. When I replaced my XJ6 series 3 springs I was able to borrow the spring compressor tool from a friend who had one.
Unfortunately, I have not as yet been able to locate one.
If anyone in the UK has one I could hire for a couple of days I would happily pay any postal and hire fees.
Many thanks
Danny.

 

G'day Danny,

When I needed a spring compressor I made one and have used it several times over the years without any trouble.

See the attached PDF.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

That's great Jeff. Can this tool be used on the older XJ6 and the X300 series?
A very informative piece of information. Thank you.
regards Danny.

 

Hi Jeff could you please tell me if you used mild steel for the rod?
Thank you again for your invaluable help
kind regards Danny.

 

G'day Danny,

I bought my bits and pieces at the local hardware outlet so just mild steel.

My present car is an X305 but previously I have used a similar tool on my SIII XJ6. With the older XJs you don't need to have the cross piece installed in the threaded rod, you can just pass the threaded rod, without the crosspiece, up through the spring and at the top you can pass the shaft of a sturdy phillips head screwdriver through the hole in the rod.

Also as previously mentioned keep out of the way of the loaded spring until the tension is off.

Cheers,
Jeff.

 

You need mild steel, hardened steel in this scenario is prone to thread galling, you'd destroy it in single use. Think the rod I have here is either M18 or M22. The dowel pin is of course hardened. I also strongly advise to get some thrust washers, they help a lot.
I've used a coupling nut for mine and welded couple of bars to it at an angle, made things much easier than using a spanner.

 

Thank you for your valuable advice.
I have ordered a 3/4inch UNF Threaded bar 36inches long in mild steel. Complete with 2 nuts and washers for 28UKP Inc postage. I am very happy that I will have that tool in my workshop for future use.
As usual, I have had wonderful help from this forum.
Many thanks to all members who have taken time to advise me.
Kind regards Danny.

 

[DELETED] Figured it out

 

Just completed the replacement of front springs.
A big thank you to all and especially Jeff in Oz for his help with the technical info to make the tool.
The only change was the use of a 8mm pin which is only .05mm larger than a 5/16 inch. I used a high carbon steel pin and mild steel for the main 3/4 unf threaded rod.
I found that the pan bolts were M8 so I bought five lengths of 30cm steel rod and M8 coupling nuts
to act as guide pins and safety back up.
So job done and my friend is very happy.
Thank you all once again.
Kind regards
Danny.

 

Great work Danny.

Cheers,
Jeff.