Well I've got a laundry list of stuff to do to the 99 XJR and one thing I've been waiting to do is the front shocks (rears as well but I'm starting at the front). I'm amazed to find that the shocks don't seem to want to come out of the car though. I have the wheel off, the suspension at full droop, bottom bolt out of the shock, undone at the top, and it still looks like I'd need the shock to be about 2" shorter to slip out. Am I missing something? There doesn't seem to be any more droop I can pry out of the front end. I'm looking at cutting a mousehole in the upper shock seat to get the shaft to tip just a little more for clearance but that's a last resort. Shout back if there's a trick I've overlooked.
Thanks.
Doug

 

If memory serves, to get them to drop completely, you can either physically contract them to give you just enough clearance. Basically, try to compress them enough to slip them out of the way. Or, you might have to drop the subframe to get a little more clearance that way. When I did my lower shock bushings, I opted for the first way. It was rough, since they take some pressure to compress and a quick motion to get them clear when you do, but it was doable for me.

 

Thanks CharlzO. After typing my question I went back to the driveway and decided to try compressing the shocks as you suggested. Initially they feel rock solid but with steady pressure they'll start to move. It was a little bit of a juggling act getting the old ones out and new ones back in but everything worked out and I didn't have to make the old girl any lighter by cutting mouse holes (phew!). Tomorrow I tackle the tie rod ends while I decide if I'm brave enough to try replacing the ball joints or if a pro gets that job.
Every job on this cat seems to uncover some other peculiar, unnecessary interference. I'd like to be a fly on the wall at the Jaguar shop to see what the pros think of these cars!

 

Please tell meyou have a jack under the spring pan. If you don't, that is quite dangerous, as the shock limits the suspension travel.

 

I had a jack under the spring pan but the shock doesn't limit spring front end droop. I found that out when I had the jack clear by a half inch or so to get as much room as possible to remove the shocks.