Hello Jagonauts;

In my Series 2 restauration I heve removed the rear bridge; the differential will be replaced by a 95 XJS differential and XJS hubs (with the ABS brakes). But now my question: the springs and schockabsorbers are 40 years old but seems not to be disfunctional. What is wisdom: change them all, or just let them be in place?

Greetz, Rudy

 

In my opinion, 40 year old shocks and springs should be replaced. Especially if you have the assembly out of the car. It's so much easier. Especially if you plan on keeping the car. And I'll assume you won't go to all this work just to sell it?

 

Rear shocks and springs are quite easy to remove with the entire rear suspension in the car. The original Jaguar shocks are a quality item, and should still perform almost as new if not leaking oil. Same for the rear springs. I have replaced all rear shocks, mainly because 2 were leaking, but I retained the original springs - now 47 years old. If your car sat well in the rear prior to dismantling, I see no reason to change.

 

IMO,

Springs: If the ride height is within spec, do not replace them. There's a good chance that the replacements will yield incorrect ride height.

Shocks: Personally, I'd replace them. Shocks degrade gradually. They may not be outright faulty or dysfunctional but I'd guess they're well past optimal

Cheers
DD

 

In my experience, the rear springs don't sag.

At one point I took 30 year old springs to a race shop to test the rate, and they were still stock at - I think - 200 pounds.

I think good new shocks are important, as these are heavy cars. If you can bounce the car around with your own weight, they need to be changed.

Good luck,
Rob

 

Thanks to all , I gonna change the shocks since the springs seems n good order. And I replace the rubbers, oilseals,bearings,etc. Job should take about 2 weeks, after that the brakes will be upgraded to ABS. Greetz Rudy

 

my '84 sttill has the original Girling shocks and factory springs. No reason to change them.