Hi: Now that I have my '87 XJ6 home, I've begun to assess the mechanical situation. I will eventually tackle replacement of the rear shocks. I'm interested in anyone's opinion regarding the replacement of the springs as well. The car slightly less than 60,000 miles on it. I do not notice any apparent sagging. It seems to sit properly, as best I can tell.

Also does anyone have any experience regarding the adjustable shocks that I see being marketed for this car? I wonder if the will stiffen the rear a bit making it behave less floaty. Or due to the overall design of the suspension and car weight, shocks won't have much of an effect?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Ren

 

If no sag, leave the springs alone. Too many stories over the years where replacement springs are not correct and give wrong ride height

IMO

Cheers
DD

 

I'm interested in opinions on replacing the rear springs also. I think I read on here that Jaguar used slight variations for different years or for different markets, or maybe the I6 vs the V12, but that most of the springs available now tend to be one size fits all. So some owners opt for finding a decent set of used springs rather than new replacement ones. I've seen part numbers JLM11569 and C29978 for the Series III sedan and C39692 for the XJS.

Anyway, one of my rear springs is broken, so I bought a set of 4 new springs from SNG Barratt but I haven't installed them yet. They are part JLM11569* and measure about 10 5/8" long, and coil diameter of 11.9mm or 0.47". The rear sags a bit currently. I'm hoping the ride height is satisfactory but not too high after they're in.

 

Thanks Doug. I was leaning in the re-use direction. It's to bad no shock manufacture doesn't sell a quick shock assembly (shock and spring together). I've enjoyed this option on some GMs before. I hope someone responds regarding the adjustable shocks. I wouldn't mind if the rear was a little more firm.

 

Thanks Noah. I was look at those. I'd be curious to know if you feel these firmed up the rear once installed.

 

Gaz adjustables are very good if you want to tune the hardness to your liking. Highly recommended, loads of people on the XJS forum (same suspension) have them, including me. Very easy to adjust on-car.

 

Hi Greg: Thank you for your input. I've never installed tuned shocks before. I will put it on the "to do" list once I get the other vital mechanicals in order such as a horn that works, a/c that blows cold, an engine tuneup so she's not idling at 1200 rpms and a few other less pressing issues. Ren

 

The Gaz shocks have about 30 clicks on their adjusting knob from 1 = softest to 30 = rock hard! About 8 to 12 is the useable range, and astonishingly, you can really feel the difference a click or two makes.

 

Greg: Thanks for the explicit input. I am going to install the GAZ shocks in the rear. Having said that, I have a pair of KYB shocks coming for the front. Maybe I was a bit quick to purchase the KYB. Maybe I should go with GAZ in the front as well. I get the sense if GAZ really helps in the rear, they should have more of an effect in the front when compared to KYB? Your opinion? Ren

 

FWIW and IMO.....

I've had KYBs on a couple cars. My present Jag came with them. There's nothing wrong with them...but nothing particularly great about 'em, either. They're just.....shocks. They do the job; nothing more. I found them a bit too soft. I think they're a great choice for a Jag that'll always be driven gently.

Cheers
DD

 

Not for Nix then?
Definitely Not!!
(';')

 

I have found adjustables more critical on the rear to get a decent ride/handling balance. on the fronts not s much needed.

 

Absolutely!