Monroe rear shock, OESpectrum #39003 fits my car. Have any of you used Monroe shocks on these cars. Thanks.
RagJag

 

I've never used Monroes on a Jag so I'm talking outta my hat.

However.....

Over the years many people *have* used them and usually reported satisfactory-but-unremarkable results.

My impression is that Monroe's offering is a decent shock. Nothing more, nothing less. Probably not as high grade nor as effective as the OEM Bilsteins or Boges.

If your original shocks are totally shot then new Monroes will be an improvement. Otherwise most enthusiasts would consider them a downgrade.

If you're a gentle driver who enjoys just cruising along they'd probably be a good choice that'll get the job done at about half the price of a higher specification alternative.

Others will chime in :-)

Cheers
DD

 

Thanks, Doug. I am as you say, a very laid back driver, Just want to replace the worn out shocks. Monroe has them on sale for $55 each. I realize they are not up to spirited driving but that is not my intent.
RagJag.

 

I have Monroes on my '96 VDP and they are good. I do use OEM Boges on my '95 XJS.

 

I've used Monroe shocks on my older US muscle cars years ago, were the going thing for performance and could not fault them.
-Just this week, I had the rear springs replaced on my '89 XJS, along with new adjustable Koni shocks installed all round (6), along with new rear calipers, rotors, all pads, bearings and seals. - -Plus complete engine tune-up. Driving it home, I purposely wiggled her around and she was sweet to respond. -I also gained the 1/2" to 3/4" ride height increase I was hoping for, as she had a slight squat in the rear.

 

Have you looked into KYB shocks? I have used them on cars other than Jaguars. I am considering them for my 95 XJS 4.0 coupe.There are some good sources at excellent pricing on eBay.

 

I am going to add the KYB's on my 92 Xjs, Summit racing's price is slightly better than any of the ebay adds I researched.

 

Can you post pics of before & after fitting them to show the new ride height ?.

 

I do not have the perfect side profile photos with the old coil springs & shocks, plus the fact I now have my '89XJS covered and stored in a secure heated 3 story warehouse until April, negates me getting any comparision shots right now- - But I will. The quickie comparision is that when I first noticed the difference, NOW I can slide my hand(flat) in the rear fender well, across the top of the tire horizontally. Prior to the springs/Koni shocks, I could not without reaching up and over the tire. My tires are BFG T/A's 235/60-15.
The new coil springs and shocks were purchased from Paul's Jaguar. The front shocks had been replaced three years ago, still looked nearly new, but I did change all six to red Koni's. I just may order a set of front coils to match the new rears next month, as it may improve the ride and handling even more.

 

I'll normally suggest ignoring anything like Monroes, but I can understand on this car. Bilsteins aren't normally too expensive, but when you've got to fit SIX of them, it adds up.

It costs more to put shocks on this thing than it does my Land Rover.

There are some things about the design of this car that I just don't understand...

 

I am getting different opinions as to fitment of the shocks. E-Bay offerings seem to say that the 1995 shock will not fit a 1996 XJS. I have 4 Monroe rear shocks for my car here now and they have the lower spring flange at 1.5" above the mounting eye. The shocks on my car have the flange at 2.75" above the eye. The 'Just Suspension' company website did not note a difference between the two years.There is a snap ring on the monotube about 3" down from the top. Do any of you have any opinion as to this problem. Thanks.
RagJag

 

I may have been mistaken about the 39003 Monre shocks fitting my car. The spring saddle mounted on the shock may be the top one. Is it possible to remove the lower saddle and reinstall it?
RagJag

 

Having disassembled one of my 1996 XJS rear shocks I find that the Monroe #39003 does not fit this car. The monotube diameter is slightly larger than the original Jaguar shock, which prevents the installment of the original spring support. The shock is also 3/8" longer. I am contacting the company I bought them from, 'Just Suspension', to send them back. Very disappointing.
RagJag

 

So what was the final solution? I have a 95 that needs the rears done also. She's a little bouncy and sags just a bit.

 

As I mentioned in a post above, I too had this problem, I bought a set of rear coils and Koni shocks for all four corners from Paul's Jaguar, perfect fit and gave me 1/2" to 3/4" lift in the rear. -Problem solved, ride is no stiffer than before, but great handling. I also just ordered a new set of front coils to even out the ride a bit better, as I now have a slight nose-down look.

 

Expedio2005, The final solution for my XJS is a set of Boge which fit the car perfectly. I found them on Ebay. Somewhat more expensive than the Monroes but did the job nicely.
Cheers, RagJag