I just purchased an 86 XJS as my daily, and I'm currently trying to change out the break pads. My car didn't come with a jack, which one should I purchase? Also what's a good site for parts? Need a new alternator!

 

Welcome to the Forums.

I suggest a GOOD heavy Duty Floor Jack, 2200KG or better.
STRONG safety stands.

Front brake pads, simple enough.
Rear, Inboard, not so easy, and YOU will be UNDER that car, so whatever it takes to keep that car raised is paramount.
I use steel ramps for the rears, that way it cannot fall on me.

Parts I will leave for members in your area.

 

2.5 to 3 ton low profile but high lift jack... Heavy stands.
PUT THE REAR WHEELS UNDER THERE WITH YOU 🤠!

Don't be messing around with this! These cars ain't lite...

 

Don't jack on the tips of the original jack points. Drill I piece of wood to fit over so the weight in on the floor part, if you trust the body that is.

 

I use a Harbor Freight 3 ton, low profile jack, and 2 sets of 6 ton Jack stands. I use a piece of 2x6 on the jack to spread the load. At the front, I carefully position the jack and 2x6 under the crossmember that goes under the engine. Do not try to jack it up under the radiator support! Jack it up moderately high, put 2 jack stands under the edge of the coil spring pockets on the lower control arms. Now, go to the rear, and carefully place the jack and 2x6 under the rear differential. It will be under the tie plate of the rear suspension cage. Jack it up far enough to put 2 more of your 6 ton jack stands under the spacer that goes between the rear shock/spring assembly and the lower control arm. Next, you need some 4x4, or 4x6. Go back to the front with your additional lumber, and raise the front until your jack stands are fully extended, and locked in place, under the lower control arm spring pockets. Take the jack back to the rear, and raise the rear until your stands are extended all the way. This will give you almost 2 foot clearance under the car, and a very securely positioned car so you can do almost any under car service. I have removed and replaced the transmission, and done rear brakes with the car jacked up like this. FYI, Harbor Freight jack stands have been recalled, don't use them, get some from a different supplier.

 

If you want to get a factory jack to have, call Jack white at Jagnut Spares 540-743-4037 and buy a used one.

I agree with rgp about using a block of wood with a hole in it to fit over the jack point pin when using a floor jack. I do the same when using jack stands as well.