lookong to replace struts /shocks on my 86. Sachs, Boge, Bilstien, KYB, so many to choose from.

Id appreciate if anyone who's replaced theirs alread would share your opinions on ride quality, stiffness, transient control etc for whatever brand you chose. Trying to make an educated purchase but I dont find much info on these other than they fit or don't.

 

I went with Bilstein back and front. There are 2 different valvings TWR and Jagusrsport. I went with TWR as they are a more complaint and from what I have read much better than the Jaguar valving.

Bilsteins are rebuildable and valving can be changed if needed. The down side are
1 Not adjustable - not a problem for me as I do not use it on the track
2 They are on the expensive end of the damper scale

Others will have their own experience. I think any good quality damper will work.

 

I replaced the front shocks on my 95 XJS and my wife's 99 XJ8L with KYB. My wife thinks her car's ride is not as good as it was. I think my XJS has lost something in ride quality and performance as well. I am looking at replacing them with something better. For the 99 I want to go back to stock and on the XJS a little better handling performance.

 

Do you have part numbers for these?

 

It was few years ago now so the receipt will be in the archive. I'll see if I can find it.

 

I've gone original with Boge shocks...

 

I'm waiting for my new Boges to arrive as well - from reading comments, most people who change them seem to want a firmer ride, which I definitely do not. She already handles like a very heavy go-kart....

 

What is your expectation? Are you currently on OEM Boge?

 

My experience with new shocks ks, that they are firmer than when worn. My XJ-S had a soft but firm handling. 78k miles on the clock. The shocks were f**ked. So the new Boge (the original Boge ones were the first set and as I bought the car about 25 years old) should be firmer and allow for a better handling.

My expectations: comfort but a firmer comfort allowing for corners to be taken a bit more 'willingly'.