The coil springs and dampers on my 1996 XJR6 are coming towards the end of their natural lives. Corrosion is setting in and performance/handling can sometimes be dubious. Not bad for 22 years!

So, as part of a rolling restoration, genuine or aftermarket upgrade? If anyone's had an great/good/fair/appalling experience with aftermarket, please let me know.

 

Rear or front? I had mine replaced at the back, went with standard Jaguar shocks and KYB RF6742 springs, all went in fine and with v.good results. Haven't got to the front yet.

 

Since yours is an XJR, its stock springs are already an upgrade from the non-supercharged version, and there aren't many choices as even stock springs are difficult to find new. Read an earlier discussion entitled Springs?? here.

 

 

Jaguar specified stiffer dampers for the German market. I've fitted them to one of my XJR6 cars along with lower after-market springs. The handling is much better than my other XJR on its original 22years old springs and dampers, but its not really a fair comparison. the ride is also somewhat firmer. As others have said, it really depends on whether you want to replicate the ride / handling compromise of the car when new, or you want to intentionally achieve a different compromise. I've also fitted uprated anti-roll bar drop links, which don't affect the ride by do improve the handling. I've also fitted a stiffer aftermarket rear anti-roll abr.

 

Thanks Andy. I think I'll go with stock as the best option for handling (I don't intend going racing). Definitely interested in your drop links so will be in touch at some point! Do I remember you telling me something about plans to develop your own anti-roll bar?

 

I haven't developed my own anti-roll bars. However, I have developed uprated rear anti-roll bar drop links that mount directly to an uprated aftermarket rear anti-roll bar. These compliment my uprated front anti-roll bar drop links used in conjunction with the standard front anti-roll bar.