Tips for control arm bushings and ball joints (SIII XJ6)
 

I've ordered the front-end suspension repair kit from SNG, will get a coil compressor, and have a buddy with a 12 ton press. Any tips or tricks unique to Jaaag that I should be aware of? Nothing's making much noise, but looks like boots are torn and bushings are pretty shot.

Thanks!

CARE.

That spring is dangerous, and packs a punch, hence that monster spring tool of Jaguar. Threaded rod, HI Tensile, works well, and plenty of common sense.

The lower control arm "pin" should NOT be tightened until the wheels are on the ground, and the suspension "loaded".

I think?? Elinor did a thread on this many years ago, as did Greg in the XJS section.

Now the Grey matter fails a tad, that lower arm pin will collide with the sump before it falls out, so lowering the front cradle is needed, BUT, I have always removed that cradle for this work, easier and safer.

Further to Grant's points.
The bottom wishbone rubbers may well be fine. If they are intact, nothing squeezing out of the ends of the wishbone eyes, leave well alone. The SNG B own brand lower wishbone bushes, in common with all aftermarket non-OEM/Metalastik brand bushes, do not last. You will find yourself doing them again inside 2 years or less. Mine (I learned the hard way) lasted 6 weeks.

If you look up Lnr's spsost on this topic, she will confirm!
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...g-fury-241680/

Jack Weston at David manners has the real thing.
https://www.jagspares.co.uk/product/...ype-s/c8673%23

Man- I’ll plan to give Manners Group a call today, but if the parts situation is that bad, maybe I’ll just leave them alone for now…boots are torn on the balls, but no major noise/issues at this point. Bummer the parts situation is so challenging in these cars.

Poor quality replacement parts is becoming a bane to the old car hobby.

Back when these cars were being built Jaguar used a lot of high-grade stuff. Problem is, those manufacturers are long gone.....or no longer producing Jaguar replacement parts. Even if you buy a part from Jaguar itself -- Jaguar packaged, Jaguar part number -- it's very likely to be from a "Brand-X" supplier.

Cheers
DD

Got it - bit of a cold wake up call after working on my 1975 Cadillac, for which running and safety parts are relatively available. I called DMG, and they did not have the Metalastik wishbone bushings for SIII. Think I'll keep my order with SNG, at least as backup, and decide when I want to replace later.

Just a note to add, When you replace your wishbone bushings, use Genuine Metalastic ONLY, (as stated above and as can be attested to by more than one of us) or you'll be re-doing this most pleasant of tasks in 2 or 3 years.
And all your friends and family will be sure to know just how very pleased you are to be re-doing it again so soon.

When you have it all together, Not only do you want to have the full weight of the car, but Drive it around the block, preferable over a speed bump BEFORE you tighten it all up and torque the shafts. It's OK, nothing will fall off. You will see the front drop at least an inch before your eyes! THEN tighten and torque the shafts and you'll be good for another 40 years.

I'm not kidding about that, because if you don't, the car will NOT settle into its natural position and even Metalastic bushings will be over-stressed and trashed on a few years, as some in here have learned to their dismay.

A couple threads for your entertainment:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...g-fury-241680/
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-c8673-242611/
(';')

Strong suggestion from an OLD guy way downunder.

With supply getting harder and harder THINK ahead.

IF you intend to keep the beast, or another with the same stuff, and Jaguar used those bushes,, and many other bits for 30++ years, BUY UP what you can.

I have my own dedicated Parts Storage, and Greg has a bloody barn on the farm.

Doug is smack on, suppliers are gone, Dunlop ceased Metalstic a few years ago, so when the stocks are gone, we are left with the "rubbish", and we know how good that is.

Common sense on what you store away, but the motoring world has changed.

Down here, the Govt is actively working to "remove older cars from the roads, in the name of safety", HAHAHA<> nice try if it works.
What "newer" car will stand up to one of our classics.
I laugh when out in the MK X, no one comes near it on the roads, they are scared shiiitless of getting attacked by the whale.
I reckon Elinor would get the same. If I saw that Black Beast storming upo behind me, I would give it a very wide path indeed, ha.

^^^ :D
The way I come storming up behind Anything on the road, especially on the Passing Lanes, they do indeed GET OUTTA MY WAY!!
:icon_crackup:

It is part number C8673. It is common to all models from the E Type onwards. Who did you speak to at Manners? They are listed for the XJS still, for example. Also Norman Motors in London say they have themm and so do Just Jags.
https://www.justjagsuk.com/lower-wis...ot-xj40-641652
https://www.jagspares.co.uk/product/...ype-s/c8673%23
https://www.normanmotorsltd.com/ Ask for Ken and quote the part number.

I don't remember the name of the Gentleman. He said they had "Genuine Jaguar", but it was not Metalastik. That's good to know they are compatible across models, since I think I saw a different listing specifically for Series III. Thanks for the other links!

Genuine Jaguar is Metalastik I believe, unless they have changed the supplier, which is always a possibility. Jack Weston may be on holiday, but I would ask him to be certain.

Hey Greg, just wondering...are the supply issues mentioned here applicable to a S1 XJ6 as well?

"Forwarned is Forearmed" and all...I am a firm believer in OEM, always.

Thanks mate.

Yes, the same parts.

Hey thanks Greg, good to know.