I've had my '98 XJ8 VP for a couple of years now and it's been a great car but just the other day, I noticed that the left rear corner was sagging. Along with that, the shifter has developed a mind of it's own and won't shift out of park. It will shift eventually, but sometimes this takes a minute or so.....any help on these issues would be greatly appreciated.

 

you probably need new shocks on the rear. The shifter may have the plastic broken on the inside. Look down in the J gate and see if you have the inner plastic guard inside broken an keeping it from shifting right. Mine was broken and blocked the shifter from going to the left to shift manually.

 

Drive around on bumpy roads with the windows
down. A classic sign of failed shock absorbers is
a squeaking noise as you drive along.

In fact, if you push down with both hands apart,
on the rear quarter panel (squishing the suspension
up and down, you should be able to hear some noise.


If you can see any fluid in the central shock opening
thing, then you know why they are low on pressure.

Ian

 

Thanks guys, I'll try those things.