New to Jaguars, and new to the forum. I bought a 1996 XJS "Celebration" 4.0L a few months back and am sorting out some of the problems. The rear shocks are pretty bad. I read some of the posts here and am looking at purchasing Bilsteins. How many do I need? VIN ends in 224968. I read somewhere there are 4 rear shocks if it has a "sport suspension." From some of the diagrams I have seen on-line it looks like there are only 2 (one on each side). I have not gotten under there and looked (at work and just doing some research). I do not plan on doing the work myself considering all the cautions regarding compressing the springs. I have a good mechanic / friend, but want to actually show up with all the correct parts so he can knock out the work instead of having to keep another car in his shop for a couple of days while waiting for parts.

 

There are four rear springs and shocks on all XJSs. If you wish for standard ride, use Boge (OEM) shocks. If you want a harder ride, I suggest GAZ adjustables, as these can be easily adjusted on car to your desired ride quality. If the springs are shot, buy new springs too (four also).

 

Greg,

ALL XJS from 1975 to 1996 have four rear springs and shocks, whether "Touring" or "Sports" suspension.

The good news is that you can easily remove the rear springs and shocks as 4 separate units, and then the springs can be compressed off the car to dismantle by your mechanic, so you can leave the car at home if you wish!

I would suggest that if you're going to the effort of changing shocks that you might consider renewing the springs at the same time? You'll find plenty of posts which warn you about the problems experienced with some after-market springs and the difficulty you might get in getting the ride height correct with anything other than Jaguar units.

If it's a convertible then the car was almost definitely fitted with "Touring" suspension from new. If it had sports suspension, then the shocks will be green (Bilstein units specifically made for Jaguar, not the usual yellow Bilstein units sold as after-market items.). When I changed mine, I decided to use Gaz adjustable-height and rebound shocks so I could get the ride height and handling to suit my preferences.

Good luck with your choice.

Paul

 

Sorry Greg!

We must have been typing at the same time!

Paul

 

But your reply so much more detailed and erudite, Paul!

 

Where would one buy new springs? They tend to sell only v12 springs.

 

Vee,

It's slightly easier when dealing with the rear end. Because 4 litre and V12s were broadly the same weight at the rear end, Jaguar fitted the same springs to both cars. So pre-big bumper 4.0 litre cars used the same springs as 5.3 V12 cars. And big-bumper 4.0 litre used the same as 6.0 V12 cars. The only decision is whether you want sports or non-sports springs. So, if you find genuine V12 rear springs, they will be the same part number as the relevant 4.0 litre models.

Hope that helps,

Paul

 

I used these. Shocks and springs assembled. Makes the job much easier.
https://www.welshent.com/Jaguar-Rear...ge-P24242.aspx

 

I am heeding the advice to replace the springs if I am replacing the rear shocks, however, I am seeing conflicting information. From what I can tell, the original springs were part # JLM11311 for a '96 XJS with a higher VIN (Mine ends in 24968). It does not appear those are made any longer. The replacement part I saw listed is C29978. I am seeing a lot of cautions that this will not fit the vehicle. I have also read on some other forums that the originals were much more robust than the suggested replacement springs. I am not sure whether to order the replacement parts and "see how it goes" or to just have my mechanic replace the shocks and let me know if I really need top replace the springs. I have about 94K miles on the vehicle, and, although not perfect, the previous owner appears to have been pretty gentle on it. Any advice on replacing the springs?

 

The description for those shock/spring combo inits d o not appear to be available for face- lift with outboard brakes. When going through the model specific menu, it brings me back to the same description XJS/ XJS-Facelift- with inboard brakes. Does that mean no combo units for Facelift with outboards?

 

I have them on my '96 (outboard brakes) and my 'early '93 (inboard brakes).
Welsh has been around for a long time and is very reputable.
Just give them a call and they'll set you up with what you need.
Or you can check with Coventry West or SNG Barratt
Or you can keep getting conflicting info from "experts" ion the web/ Your choice.

 

Greg,

Assuming you have a standard US-spec convertible, the spring part number is JLM11569. JLM11311 is the Sports spring fitted to Coupes or as an option on UK-convertibles. C29978 is one of the springs that was fitted to the XJ6 saloons. I've seen some places offer it as a suggested replacement for an XJS spring but I really don't know if the spring rate and ride height would be correct if this were fitted.

Good luck

Paul