Hi all,

Please advise. It looks like it is time for some new shocks :/

I don't want to break the bank but I was thinking a bit more modern, any thoughts? Currently it is settling poorly along.

PS. Do I need a specific shock do the the CATS suspension?

 

I'm just going through this as well.

For the rears I got the the Bilsteins 20-070519 - this is the CATS version. They haven't arrived yet, they are back ordered. I was willing to wait as my car won't be driven till the spring and the ones I found were a pretty good deal - $311 each with free shipping (most places they are around $335 each).

https://www.truckspring.com/Search.a...word=20-070519

Not sure about my fronts, I'm gonna swap out the bushings first and see what that does.

Mine is a 2003 XJR.

 

I think Bilstein USA offer refurbishment, I would certainly consider this,

 

From a prior post, the refurbishment was about 2/3 the cost of a replacement shock. You'll likely have to send yours in and wait though, so if you're unable to give up down time, then it might not work well. To answer your question, though, yes, the CATS shocks are specific. BILSTEIN 20070502 for the front which RockAuto has for about 271 at the moment. They are easy to swap out. The other option is to swap everything to standard shocks. You can get the Bilsteins normal versions (Non-CATS) for about 100 dollars a corner. You'll need new mounts since the shaft diameter is different than the CATS one, but you can get the new front upper mounts for usually 20-30 apiece, and if you're replacing the rear shocks, CATS or no, you should be replacing the uppers there too so it wouldn't be any different just to get the new mounts for the difference. You can also get KYB shocks for about half the price, but honestly, Bilsteins are the way to go. Can go for comfort or sport versions.

 

Thanks all. I think i'm leaning to billstein sport shocks.

 

I'll report back tomorrow, as I just put them on the front of mine this morning (replacing the blown out KYB ones - hence my recommendation to go Bilstein - the KYBs lasted 23k miles on the first set, and 21k on the 2nd set that was the warranty replacement, basically each set lasted a year). I'll let you know how they ride after I get to work tomorrow

 

Oh great! Looking forward to hearing back! Did you go for the sportier ones?

 

Yes, I went for the sport versions. I've always enjoyed a spirited ride, and while I wholeheartedly agree that a plush Jag should ride in cushy comfort with comfort shocks, I believe the XJR's slightly sportier nature was deserving appropriately sporty shocks!

EDIT: Following up - I'm quite happy with the sports. They're firm when they need to be but not harsh or jarring, and still comfortable that you don't feel like there isn't any give to them.

 

Thanks so much! I think i may go for these

 

Fit what is on the car - Sports. The suspension package is designed as a whole, you will compromise the handling with anything else.

Anti role bars front and rear, bushings, springs etc are all unique to the XJR.

100's are fitted with the 'SuperSports' suspension package.

 

Are you saying go with the sports from billstein? Is there a super sports line that you're referring to ?

 

were these the ones? Do i need damptronic because of the CATS system?

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...64222107697812

https://www.bilstein.com/us/en/produ...64222107697812

 

Yes, they're the ones to fit.

 

 

The sport button will still respond the same in regards to first-gear takeoffs and higher shift points. When you remove the CATS shocks, just tuck or tie the wires up out of place. In the passenger side kick panel is a module that you can remove or unplug to eliminate the error message that you'll get on the DASH when they're unplugged. I forget what the message is, but it's not too hard to get to that module. And that's all there is to it.