What is the difference if any between the VDP and XJR front sway bars? I have a 2001 VDP and someone was telling me to he believe they are the same size whereas the regular XJ8's are smaller. Anyone know if true or not?

 

What I can say with certainty is that 1998 XJ8 parts microfiche shows two different frontsway bars, for comfort and sport suspension. The saddle mounting brackets are the same, but the sway bar bushings are different, indicating a difference in bar diameter.

Better information than that I don't have access to right now, but it indicates to me that the sport suspension XJR has a larger diameter (stiffer) front anti-roll bar than the comfort suspension XJ8. I don't know why that setup would have been changed for later model year cars such as yours.

1998 XJR is fitted with a rear sway bar as well, which is notOEM on XJ8. There are mounting holes for the rear sway bar links on the XJ8 lower rear wishbones, but I do not believe there is a location to mount the frame brackets. The rear differential strut is listed as different between the two types of suspension: I believe that this reinforcement frame only has the sway bar bracket mounting flanges on the sport suspension version.

Without searching for further details, my answer is that you can easily stiffen the front with an XJR anti-roll bar and bushings. But stiffening the rear to keep the car balanced would require a specialized aftermarket installation kit, fabrication work, or replacement of the rear reinforcement frame with the XJR component before a rear anti-roll bar can then be added.

Big bucks, or bad idea...your choice.

 

Thanks for your insight. So you think Jaguar installed a comfort suspension on a supercharged VDP which is the same engine as a XJR or the sports version? I'm going to measure and look under my car and see if I have rear sway bar bracket mounting flanges. Thanks again.

 

Hi Bo,

Sure, looking for a rear sway bar on your car will tell you. I don't think they were offeringa Super VDP in '98 when the microfiche was printed...so even though they listed the rear bar for XJR only, my guess would be the sport suspension accompanies the S/C drivetrain in your car.

I have access to alot more up-to-date info during the week, so send me a PM if you haven't found the answers you are looking for by then.

 

HI - I have a 2001 VDP Supercharged and it does not have a rear anti-roll bar. I see the mounting holes on the lower wishbones but I don't know where the bar would mount to the frame or differential carrier.

I would like to retrofit the bar if possible

thank you for your help

Ed