Hello all,

My '89 XJS has never had the shocks and springs replaced, but I never thought it a huge problem until recently.

I bought a parts car a few months ago, and said parts car came with oversized BFG tires on the rears. I put them on my car to test the fit and as winter tires (for the car to sit on in the garage) and found that, on my driver XJS, the tires both rub the exhaust and the rear fender sits on the top of the tire with the jack out from underneath it.

This has led me to believe that the rear shocks/springs need to be replaced. Probably the fronts too. I'm doing a slow overhaul on the car. I take the standpoint that if it's old, it should probably be replaced. I'm not scared of replacing all of it. I just want to be sure that I get the right parts.

I'm not interested in raising or lowering the car, I just want to stick with OEM ride height. Does anyone have any pointers as to what part numbers to order, where to get the parts from, etc? I have used KYB shocks on my previous cars, do those work for the XJS? Is there a better option?

Advice is appreciated, thanks in advance!

 

All the normal specialist suppliers can supply rear springs to OEM standard (eg David Manners, SNGB, Coventry West etc). The OEM shocks are Boges, and these also are readily available and not dear. On my car, which handles and rides really well (a very comfortable road car that corners very flat and well at non-racing speeds) I have OEM rated springs all round with GAZ adjustables at the back (these are expensive but very good as you can just turn a knob to give a little more or less compliance as you wish) and OEM Boges at the front. I did not find the GAZ fronts were quite right for the front, regardless of setting. But honestly Boges all round with new standard springs is a great combination and will immediately give you the Factory-spec Jaguar feel and ride, as long as the rubber bushes are in good shape. IF not, replace them while you have it all apart.
Greg

 

Greg has covered the bases and rear spring replacement doesn't seem problematic. However, if you DO decide to replace the fronts, the plot thickens a bit.....

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-coupe-171480/


Cheers
DD

 

Thanks gents, it appears the front springs are more of a question mark, but hopefully with the V12 I'll be more likely to find some that fit properly.

Looking at GAZ, I can't find anything on the website for rear shocks, but I did find their 2017 catalog, and there are part numbers listed in there. It looks like PN GT6-2108 for the fronts($71ea), and GS6-2109 for the rears ($84ea). That puts the price at $478 without springs or replacement rubber bushes if I go with all GAZ. I'll probably take Greg's advice and go with Boge's at the front. Still pricing around for the Boges for the fronts, and looking at the best place to get those and the bushes.

Greg, a couple quick questions: Did the GAZ shocks come with all you needed (spring pearches and such) to mount everything? Also, just confirming that they are compatible with stock springs? I'll probably replace the springs and bushes as well since I'm down there, as you said, but want to be sure I get the right parts. I'll see if GAZ can sell me some springs as well, but they might be cost prohibitive.

 

They did, but they were specifically ordered for the XJS, so ask the supplier. They are compatible with the stock springs. But rear Boges are far cheaper and a good option. GAZ will not supply springs, get these from an XJS specialist, or you will end up with something expensive and useless!.
Greg.