Don't be scared to tackle this job....I read about it online and saw all the posts here and what you guys said about unbolting the subframe mount and allowing the wishbone to fall down..using the prybar and unbolting the upper shock mounts so that it all falls out without the spring compressor works PERFECT! We did one side in an hour and half...I'm sure the other side will go faster. Easy if you just take your time and have a beer or two!

 

I try to convince people to stop trying to drop the subframe or use the stupid spring compressors and 'rosary beads tool' for a simple operation but old habits die hard.

The JTIS procedure will take FOREVER and make too much work.

bob gauff

 

So true Bob....BUT...I think the Company had to cover all avenues to protect their own a**es....what with the litergatory mad world we live in ;o]

 

I'm all for alternative methods!!!! Worked great thanks!

 

Any problem with those 17 & 19mm bolts sticking? I hate shearing off bolts.

This sounds like better way. Any special insights? Can it be done with just one person?

 

U really need two people to make it easier and spray the bolts u are removing with liquid wrench the day before and you are good. We didn't break off any bolts.

 

Where is the post detailing how to do the rear shocks w/o dropping the subframe?

 

I would like to know also

 

I am not going to type the whole thing over again as I have done it about once a year on the forum.

Remove the 4 bolts on the bottom of the diff and suspension cage and bend the living crap out of the plate to let the lower arms dangle.

Jam a piece of wood or a socket to hold it down.

bob gauff

 

There is an excellent PDF of the procedure Bob outlined above. Search for it: labeled Rear shock replacement X300 by Blackonyx back in 2004. I have a copy but can't figure out how to attach it using Windows 8. It may be too large

 

My error, the PDF noted above drops the subframe.

 

It's easy. Takes about hour and half per side.

 

Sorry to ask once again - Put I am new to tis group. I have a 1999 VDP XJ8L that needs to have rear shocks and bushings replaced. I have read the complicated version of replacement in the Jag manual and other posts discussing the full drop of the suspension and the use of the spring compressors. I am desperate to use the simpler process suggeted in this post - However, I need a blow by blow of the alternative method you dscuss. Can you point me to a specfic post showing me more complete details?

 

Funny thing is everyone says search and you will find it but I have yet over 3 days to find a play by play on how to do it. I search all of Bobs posts back until I could find no more! I know some long timers may be frustrated by some not listening but for newbies it's not as easy as "said".

Still searching for the golden link!

 

I am getting ready to try this myself: here is the instructions Bob had in the stickies:

I have been to the New Product Jaguar training for this suspension and that is what we were taught.

If you do it this way you will spend WAY too much time screwing around with the rear suspension!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Forget the manual and just lower the rear suspension steel plate to drop the lower control arms and the springs will FALL OUT.
Remove the 4 bolts from under the diff and pry down (bent the $*!^ out of the plate) with a 3 foot prybar. Stuff a block of wood or a 1/2" drive socket or something and let the arms fall!!

Jack the plate back up when the springs are in and put the bolts back in. I see so many people try to make this job harder than it is. I bet half the dealer mechanics could not even find the stupid beaded chain in the toolroom. I tried this 2 times and it took WAY too long to get the dampers out. The manual states the correct way to perform a task but then the manufacturer denies compensation to actually do it that way.

Is that all there is to it? No need to remove the calipers?