Hi!

I've got sagging front spring and trying to find the correct replacement pair.
The difference between left and right sides is significant
(more than 1'').
The whole front feels tired, I've put packers on both sides
few months ago, it became better but not for long.
Plus I am the third owner and not quite sure if the springs
or dampers were changed at all.
So I decided to update both the shocks and the springs just
to be sure.

I've seen some topics with discussions of poor quality of
aftermarket springs for 6 cyl. cars.
I've found a few places with those springs available for
reasonable money (150GBP), but I'm not really sure that I
should buy them after all that I've read.
(Part No. JLM11310)

I've found threads about Eibach springs & GAZ shocks (XJ
Restorations), but this kit is really pricey (1500GBP).
I can't afford that now, although I'd like to go this way
(with adjustable rears later).
I can't find those springs for sale separately anywhere.

As far as I know, those Eibach springs were specially
designed based on Aston Martin DB7 springs.
I've found some AM springs from David Manners, but I'm still
not sure that they will fit my 6 cyl. car well (being
designed for 12 cyl. in the first place).
(Part No. RTC2751)

I'm sure there are plenty of XJS drivers who had similar
problems or questions - hope to hear about your
experience.

 

Just be careful that the springs you buy are for the 4.0 as well as the shocks. The PO of my 98 4.0 put spring and shocks good for both 12 cyl and 6 cyl on mine and I hate them.. After its smog inspected and I get over that pain I will be replacing my spring and shocks. She sits up like a 60's gasser.

 

I was faced with the same dilemma: needing springs but worried, thanks to so many horror stories over the years, about ending up with the wrong ride height.

In the end I decided the least risky route was a set of good used springs. Worked out well, knock on wood

Cheers
DD

 

Yury,

I'm the guy who often mentions Eibach springs and Gaz shocks. I don't remember the Eibach springs being any more expensive than other quality alternatives. Try ringing Keith at XJ and get some prices. The springs were developed from the early AM DB7 springs but remember that was also a 6 cylinder car with the same front subframe as the XJS. I have a 4 litre and it's all fine on my car.

Good luck

Paul

 

Yury,

With your new springs, how much room is there between the top of the tire and the bottom of the fender? I am under the impression that the bottom of the fender should be at the top of the tire.

Would you agree?

Hitch

 

The V12 springs are the same as 6 cylinder models with the XK I6 NOT the alloy AJ6/AJ16! That is something very important to know.

The old XK engine weighs about the same as the V12... So if you fit V12 springs in an AJ6/AJ16 car, you'll be driving on hard springs far too high.

I bougt a set of new V12 springs and they have the exact same diameter as my old ones (if you remove the rust and add a layer of paint).

 

So am I correct when I say the top of the wheel should be somewhat even with the bottom of the wheel arch?

 

For me the ideal room between arch and the tyre is when i can put my 2 fingers easily (3 fingers with a little angle) like on the picture.

We've changed only one spring temporarily for the test (after switching sides) and i'm still not satisfied with the result. The car sits higher on one side but it's definitely better than sagging. Now it's winter in Moscow and i don't drive my Jaguar, but will probably order Eibachs or aftermarket ones (fingers crossed). Will keep you posted.

 

Hmm, my V12 had a gap between tyre and wheel arch... I think as Yury wrote about 1-2 fingers (so long ago). The wheel should sit optically in the middle of the round wheel well...

 

I can fit my whole hand in there. Daim's comment about the iron vs alloy block are interesting. I'd like to go to a QA1 coil over shock set up that would allow me to dial in the ride height. They are on the pricey side of life too and I'm not sure there is an application for the XJS

 

If you look at the original listings for the Series III sedans (which used both the V12 and the 6 cylinder XK engine) you'll see several different springs for the 6 cylinder cars and several different springs for the V12 variants as well....none of the V12 springs being the same part numbers as any of the 6 cylinder numbers.

Same pretty much applies original XJS springs.

What I'm getting at is this: over the years a dozen or so different springs have been 'rationalized' into just two or three different part numbers.....with the RTC2751 being the most common. Presumably the spring is built to a spec that suits a wide variety of models fairly well but none of them perfectly well.

I get suspicious when I see a listing that covers a huge array of models, such as the RTC2751 being 'correct' for all Series II and II sedans regardless of engine and all XJS V12 from 1976 to 1996.

I think the (unstated) expectation is that'll we'll add/subtract the spacers to trim ride height when needed. That's am unpleasant notion.

Cheers
DD

 

Well, I can soon answer that, as I have those RTC springs...

At least there are some. Sport Pack owners are left standing outside in the rain. No more springs ..

 

..and remember that there's a difference between the body shape at the rear compared to the front. So the gap above the front tyre is quite different at the back. And of course, many owners of late cars with 16" wheels will be on 55 ratio tyres rather than 60 ratio which makes another difference. I would measure the distance from the subframes to the ground as detailed in the workshop manual.

Paul

 

 

I just replaced all the suspensions parts, springs, shocks, struts, bushings, ball joints, tie-rods, etc. She's riding a tad bit high right now. Just put her away for the winter, I'll deal with it in the spring.

 

Yeah, that's pretty high

What springs did you use? How were they listed?

Cheers
DD

 

The were Eurospares. They only listed 1 part number for the I6&V12. I called and verified. The rear sits great.

I think I'm gonna get an Elephant to sit on it for a few months, that should do it....

 

I thought that might be the case. See post #11.

Yours is not a unique case. I've been hearing the same story for years. Incorrect ride height (too high in most cases) is common after spring replacement and I'm more convinced than ever that vendors are simply selling the wrong springs.

Anyone suffering from slightly sagging springs might well be better off by installing an additional spacer.....at minimal expense and a known result.....as opposed to spending money on new springs which, as often as not, are incorrect.

The factory nylon spacers are .125" thick and yield a .375" difference.

I hope some vendors see this thread and chime in.

Cheers
DD

 

I6 refers to the XK engine! Not the AJ! That is what many sites don't state...

 

Doing some shopping at Bed Bath & Beyond?