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In Service Manual 64.20.01 it refers to Jaguar tools SL.14 and JD.11B spring compressor. I have four new spring/shock assemblies and want to replace them while carrier is on the car. Anyone have any experience with replacing these? With or without the spring compressor. Is there a way of doing it without the spring compressor (that I don't have)?
Really you need a spring compressor, but you don't need the original Jaguar tool. I replaced the dampers on my 1980 XJ6 twice, the second time due to rather poor quality of the original replacements some 2 years later, (I had the car 14 years). Here is what you typically need: -
Obviously these are from UK suppliers, but US auto parts shops should have similar.
The rear springs are quite a light load, as there are two per side. The spring compressors I had were very similar to the above. The front springs are a whole lot more powerful so the above tools are no good for those.
The local auto parts store probably loans or rents spring compressors. Ask for the type used on MacPherson Struts, sometimes known as an "external type" spring compressor. Should work OK.
So... from what I've gathered so far from all the above links and pictures & procedures, if I am out-and-out replacing with new already assembled shocks/springs, that I don't need the spring compressor when REMOVING the old assemblies. But I do need them when INSTALLING the new units?
If you're buying pre-assembled units you won't need a compressor to install them.
You'll be removing shock-spring assemblies and simply installing new shock-spring assemblies. It's all nuts, bolts, and wrenches.The two will look the same....except that the new assemblies will be shiny and bright and the old assemblies won't.
Whoever assembled your new units did all the spring compressing for you already !
I have to throw this one in, When you remove the the top bolt and nut from either rear shock/ spring assembly, Assuming that you have removed the bottom thru bolt first from either bottom of rear struts. There is a spacer/bushing in the top of the shock that will roll away from you at blinding speed. Just a warning.
Okay, now I'm at a dilemma. When I removed the four old shocks/coil springs, I see they are Armstrong aftermarket assemblies. They don't have the collets C37273 and the spring seat C37272 required for my new shocks/springs. Also my new (and by new I mean I bought them over 10 years ago off EBay) don't seem to have the substantial shoulder near the bottom of the shock that the collets and spring seat would be retained by, that I see on the picture in the parts manual. It seems to be just a split ring sitting in a grove. Maybe it does have the retaining power to hold the compressed spring when the proper collets and spring retainer are released? Thoughts? Also, if indeed I do need Four pairs of collets C37373 and Four spring seats C37372, does anyone have any they can sell. I've already contacted David at EverydayXJ and he doesn't have them.
Don't see a brand name, but says "Made in Belgium".
Bill, you are missing the bottom spring seat. That little split ring would hold it in place against spring pressure. I imagine the bottom spring seat having a slight recess at the inner diameter that would settle over the split ring and hold it in place against the shock tube. That being said, the split ring has to be removed, the new spring slid on the shock, spring seat slid up under the compressed spring, and then the split ring slid on over the lower shock mounting ring and into its groove. Keep a close eye on that split ring as you release spring pressure.
I'll have to admit, that little split ring does not inspire confidence that it can hold against spring preload and 25% of the rear car weight in the long term, but I'm not an engineer.
Best if you show us what the old shocks look like when dismantled. Having said that, I see nothing unusual with those new shocks. That little ring will keep the springs in compression with the collets inserted, no problem. Some you buy have the damper tube worked by a machine to press out a circular "ring" on which to seat the collets. The parts book is not totally accurate now, I'm afraid.
I had to put the old shocks/springs back on until I can acquire the correct collets and spring retainers. Still looking for them if anyone has them. Or... Am looking for a junk set of four shock/ spring assemblies that I can disassemble and get the parts off.
I had to put the old shocks/springs back on until I can acquire the correct collets and spring retainers. Still looking for them if anyone has them. Or... Am looking for a junk set of four shock/ spring assemblies that I can disassemble and get the parts off.
Get a set of junk ones, as its likely the parts you need will be OK; they were OK on my original shocks that I replaced. I just moved the springs and securing collets across to the new shocks.
A photo of your old Armstrong units and parts would be useful so we can see what you have actually got. I found it very easy replacing the shocks using the compressors I had. I compressed the spring, then the collets dropped out,, (sometimes they need a bit of poking to release them). I removed the spring and its seating ring. You have new springs to fit, so you have to release the compressors on the old spring then compress the new one, insert the spring seat, insert the compressed spring into the new shock, then insert the collets and gradually release the compressors until the collets are nicely secured and holding the spring securely. Also I always put a bit of anti-rust wax on as well.
Last edited by Fraser Mitchell; Sep 24, 2020 at 04:58 PM.
Hi Bill,
I might have a spare set since David's out of stock. I have two junk yard IRS's ( one was damaged with a bent wishbone and didn't notice till I got it home ) plus my two part's cars. I have to make up a good one for my Rusty Cat but should have what you need. Did you take pictures of the after market units that don't have the rings / collets ? Want to check to see if any of mine have them before getting surprised like you did.
Are your new springs regular strength XJ-6 units ? My 1985 Sovereign has ones marked with blue + red/orange paint marks. Yours look to be green + red/orange ? Did they make different versions for XKE, XJS, XJ6, XJ12 anyone ?
Are your new springs regular strength XJ-6 units ? My 1985 Sovereign has ones marked with blue + red/orange paint marks. Yours look to be green + red/orange ? Did they make different versions for XKE, XJS, XJ6, XJ12 anyone ?
They did, but now such niceties are NLA. Jaguar themselves have lost all details of spring rates and sizes and lengths. There is more trouble in the aftermarket about springs than any other single item. If you can, hold onto the OEM ones, or buy second hand OEM ones, if you want to keep the factory ride. Also ride height is often a problem with springs that are now available.
What is available is generally harder than the non-sportspack OEM springs, if not harder and longer.
While I do not have a picture of the present old ones that are in there, here is a pic of the exact similar concept of what's in there. The open slotted piece is the dead give-away that this isn't OEM style. The OEM style has the collets on the bottom of the shock/spring. Whereas the open slotted piece is on the top of the shock/spring assembly. Also, you bring up a good point about the coloring on the springs. I don't have a clue as to the spring tension. I just have to try it and see what happens. And I don't mind if the rear of the car sits a bit higher than it is now. I really think it's a bit too low as it is. It's the front I feel is sitting too high. But that's another project for another day.
Replacing Rear Springs and Dampers
