I want to start by saying I don't know anything about Jaguars. I purchased a 2001 XJ8 x308 ( I believe )today. I tried to search the forum without any luck. Im wondering what are my lowering options (coilovers?) and what is the wheel bolt pattern for my new car? Is there specific sub models to this? the car is missing badges and the previous owner couldn't tell me much about it. The car is in pretty good shape for its age. thanks in advance

 

Lowering Springs : Current best on the market. They have e Bay listings etc. as well.

https://www.powerhouse.uk/content/ja...ng-springs.php

 

Thanks! I was doing some google searching and it seems that I have a Sovereign XJ because of the chrome trim around the windows and grille is that correct?

 

From the limited exterior pics you posted, I should say yes, Sovereign.
Chrome grill inserts, chrome window trim, piping on the seats, wood under the steering wheel cover(??), and the reversed leaper .

 

Do you know how much they lower the car by?

 

I can jump in as I have been in contact with them a year ago.
After some initial vague answers, they kind of settled on answer that the car will run some 2cm / small inch lower than the UK XJR level.
Practically, that means that the top of a 18" tire (255/40) should be at the same level, or just inside the fender apex.
I never bought them though, so no practical back-up yet.

 

I just bought a set of lowering springs from power house and a couple of other things. With shipping to the US from the UK, total price was around $640. They do look nice. and when uncompressed are much short compared to the stock ones by a couple inches, which means that it's either going to be slammed or the spring is much stiffer, so we'll see in about 2 weeks when I finished rebuilding the front suspension. Ill report back some pictures.

 

Almost finished putting it together. Taking the front springs out was not bad at all. I used the threaded tool method and I felt safe doing it. It was just time-consuming backing out the nuts. I ended up replacing all the control arm bushings, ball joints, shock absorbers, sway bar links, brake hoses (Pic of all the parts included). The worst part of the job was shearing one of the steering rack bolts and trying to fix it with no success. Even worse was trying to replace the bushings, I could not budge it one bit. I ended up taking the control arms to a machine shop and had them change out the bushings and 2 of the ball joints. I was able to get the lower and upper ball joints replaced on one side with a regular ball joint press kit and some custom-made adapters--this was kind of PITA. My advice is to just take the control arms to a machine shop that is willing and able to do it, rather than wasting money on parts/tools to do it yourself. Parts and labor for the rebuild totaled around $850 if you do it right, by doing some of the work yourself and take the bushings/ball joints to a machine shop. My only concern with the new springs is that the rear are fully uncompressed and can shift when the car is lifted off the ground, so I have to align the spring in place when lowering it back down each time. Other than that, I am pleased with the new look. I can report some more pics and handling difference later, once I get the bushing bolts torqued to spec (bushing preload is a thing and must be remembered).

 

Looks good! I want some now.

 

I like the ride height, nice work Erasmo, but I'd have to put at least a 13mm wheel spacer on it. Personally the inset of the wheel isn't right....looks misengineered. I have the same rims and I've measured and planned to use the 13mm with my finally just recently acquired Silverstones. I has get a bit fatter looking somehow.

 

Thanks. The ride height will also settle down once I drive it so those aren't the final result. On a side note, I messed up bleeding the brakes by not having the rotor on (first time bleeding brakes...rookie mistake). The caliper piston compressed all the way on the front drivers side and fluid started leaking from it. I put it back in place and bled it the right way but it is still leaking and the brakes haven't even been used. Will I have to get a whole new caliper or is there another solution to this?

 

@860Jag @Sean Miller @King Charles

Gents, I have a new complete set from Powerhouse that I am looking to sell. I will posit in the FS section later today. The supercharger rebuild is now taking priority over the lowering hence looking to sell. I will let them go for 20% less than the original price so someone can put them to good use. PM me if there any interest.

 

I'm new to the forums but I may be interested if you haven't parted with these yet

 

Some more pics... It does ride a little stiffer. More caution is needed when going over bumps, but no scraping issues so far.

 

I need to ask @860Jag . What's what with your leaper?

 

I had my X350 XKR lowered, but not nearly as far as yours @AZjag1999 . In fact I am surprised. Tell us about the handling.

 

That looks gangster af. Love it