What is the most popular shocks for 2002 XJ8?

 

...May not be the most popular replacement but will get you a reference as these are the original OEM's . See page 16 , note the standard and sport versions .

 

I went w/ Sensen part # 3213-0156, 1213-0274, so far excellent ride quality.

 

I went with KYB for my front shocks. 40k miles on them without complaint. My main choice was being able to get them faster than a pair of Bilsteins.

 

I had gone that way as well, however my front right is gone, and probably around 30k or so on it. The left front isn't far behind. I'll be replacing with the Bilsteins, hopefully they hold up a little better for me.

 

Looking at your location, I think I can see why.

Most of my driving has been on southern and western highways, which are generally in good condition (Tennessee and bits of AZ and NM notwithstanding).

As an ex-NYer, our roads eat shocks.

 

There's a difference between "popular" and "proper" shocks. Popular generally means cheap and quick, which tends to lead to poor ride and quick deterioration. Proper will get you the best ride and longer durability.
Just an FYI, ...I've read a number of posts on site regarding KYB's not working well.

 

+1 Frequent complaints on KYB. Less so on Monroe, believe it or not. Gold standard is Bilstein. I went with the green ones to tighten the rig up. As Sean mentioned a long time ago, they hardly ever wear out, mostly the bushings.

 

Oh, I don't deny that I should've known better than to try the KYBs for my usage. Everything I read pointed to exactly that - but you know some of us. Stubborn enough to go "well maybe I'll have that winning luck" and it never works out. Just like putting cheap suspension components on even knowing that it's never been a good idea.

 

+2, that's why I went for the Bilsteins.
If you search, the non CATS are not much more expensive at all ...

 

But the CATS are quite a price. Last that I looked, about $800US each. $3,200 for total replacement. My bet would be $4,200 at the dealership. Heavy price to pay for a 2002 XJR100. Would not want to know what it would be in pounds.

 

Half the cost...Bilstein - KYB - Rancho - Monroe - KONI Shocks and Struts - Shockwarehouse.com