I am a new owner of my first Jaguar. 2003 XJR R1. The front CATS sport shocks are blown and need replacing. I have read countless threads on this topic and wanted to make sure I was prepared for the fix. My plan is unplug the CATS module in the passenger kick panel and replace the CATS shocks with green Bilstein sport shocks. My understanding is that the rear CATS shocks will default to the "sport" setting making them match the new front ones. The only thing that I am not clear about is the upper shock bushings in the front. I have read the shaft diameter on the CATS shocks are larger than the non CATS shocks. Is there a new bushing sleeve that I can replace to match the smaller shaft diameter or do I need to order the upper URO mounts for the non CATS shocks? I would like to find poly bushings, but none seem to still be available. I'm sure many have been down this path before, any help would be appreciated.

 

All of your assumptions are correct. Unplugging the module will default the rears into the firm setting (assuming they are not shot). The shaft diameter of the CATS shocks is larger. I wrapped metal tape around my standard green Bilstein shocks to match the diameter of the CATS shocks.

 

How well does this metal foil tape hold up over time? One would think it would wear through.

 

welsh made used to make solid rubber bushings but now they manufacture fully assembled stock type mounts for like 40 bucks each, could be better than the URO but dk

 

I'll check them out. I am not familiar with all the vendors yet. I have an order en route from Rockauto at the moment.

 

There is no movement between the shock and the bushing so the tape does not wear,