Went in for an alignment today and found out I need rear bushings. On-line prices on the bushings vary from $9.95 to 39.95 for what is apparently the same part. Is there really any difference or is that just the way it is in the Jag world?

 

There is a difference but it all depends. I have NEVER seen urethane bushings for the trailing arms, only rubber.

I wouldn't bother with an offbrand and getting something real cheap will likely just result in it not lasting as long. Either way a 10 dollar EURO brand bushing will be loads better than the worn one and maybe even the original considering the rubber used back in the 80s.
I'd probably go with the middle ground, assuming the highest may just be over charging. I have had pretty good luck with FCP euro replacement parts and anything Welshent is willing to sell.
15-20 seems to be a good average for these. I think the places that sell them for 30 are probably the same quality but dont realize the market is a little bigger than they assume for them.

 

Another option is to get the complete radius arm with bushes already fitted; if the original bushes have gone then is a very good chance that corrosion will have set in to the arms themselves.
I got the complete units and painted the hell out of the arms so they should last for years.

 

Steve - Where did you find these?

 

Thanks - I ordered them from FCP. They had the lowest sale price and the list price they stated was the same as some of the other more expensive sites. Now comes the fun of removing the old ones!

 

Here's the options from our stock:

Small Bush:
MHC3160AA# OEM Metalastik $24.50
MHC3160AA* SNG Barratt aftermarket copy $6.74
MHC3160U Polyurethane bush by Polybush $57.02


Large Bush:
MHC3170AA# OEM Metalastik $28.00
MHC3160AA* SNG Barratt aftermarket copy $18.66
MHC3160U Polyurethane bush by Polybush $88.57


All prices above would be eligible for your 10% off JagForum discount.

 

I got mine from here - Grublogger recycled Jaguar parts - suspension & steering

 

Depends on where you live. In the UK...yeah probably so. But there are tons of jags in the states that wouldn't need the trailing arm replaced.

SNG nice to know you guys offer a few version including polyurethane ones!

Something i'll definitely consider in the future as rubber is pretty desirable in the XJS if you want to restore a luxurious ride, but I have no desire for the rear end to be moving around and changing its toe/thrust angle