When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Phew - got me worried there for a moment guys....:-)
I think the only person that will notice the Jaguar Racing Green coloured UJ cups will be an exhaust fitter but I couldn't help myself....
Good evening, Greg, just got off the phone with Grant in sunny SA, we have been discussing ride height, spring size, etc. for the front of the XJ-S. I have just had the front springs replaced using, what I had been told were King springs (Sydney, NSW), and the distance between the front cross member and the ground is 4 inches: too low, as it is supposed to be 6 inches. I have been discussing with Grant what could have possibly gone wrong, and our conclusion is that the springs: a. Aren't King Springs because I checked their web site and they only make the rear ones, and they aren't their signature yellow powder coat: and b. the ones I have had installed are too soft. We came to this conclusion because the car front is too low, and the spring coils are very close together. Notwithstanding, I am going back to the vendor and asking for them to be replaced with the right coils, and Grant is going to give you a call to establish the front coil specs for the V12 HE. Whilst I'm chatting, I used your method of replacing the Rear Engine Mount/Gearbox mount on my Daimler VDP double Six, and it worked a treat. So many thanks for that hack. I will post some pictures on the Classic Saloon section of the forum just to assure members that it isn't difficult to do, and safe. Cheers Chris
Thank you Chris, all such praise warms the old heart!.
For an XJS the OEM spring rate is 350 lbs per inch and the uncompressed spring height is 307mm, though I personally suggest 300mm if you are having them made, as I think the front ride height is a touch high OEM, and it is easy to shim them up if you want it a bit higher.
Berkshire Jaguar Components in the UK sell new springs at very fair prices and are very good quality.
Also, as far as your bad springs go, with the RH significantly lower the camber will be quite far out of spec and the toe also.
Good morning, Greg, many thanks for the Berkshire link, they are much cheaper than SNG, and funnily enough cheaper than I can get here in Australia, using Lovell Springs (including freight), and even then they are a special order here in Australia so I'm going with your recommendation. I don't think I can specify the height on the Berkshire website so I'm assuming your positive experience with them means that the height was acceptable. I will hold off ordering until I see your response, but again many thanks for your assistance. Cheers, Chris
They will be fine Chris.
I suggest using only one packing/adjusting ring at the top of the spring, none at the bottom. Grease up the ring and 'stick' it into the indent in the spring tower is easiest.
Good luck
Last edited by Greg in France; Mar 10, 2025 at 06:50 AM.
Good afternoon all, Received the Berkshire springs and replaced the dodgy ones I was sold by Climax Suspension, Thornton: right size, wrong strength, they were probably a XJ6 spec? Anyway, after another installation fee I now have the Jag at the correct height. Many thanks to Greg, and Grant for your advice and help with sourcing the correct springs, and at a great price. Cheers, Chris