Dear experts,

I just swapped my 2004 Red XK8 for a British Racing Green 2002 XK8. There is one noticeable difference which I don't really understand... the suspension on the 2002 car is much harder and I feel every bump and uneven surface of the English roads. I know the engine sizes are different ( 4L vs 4.2L) but does anyone know if Jaguar UK changed anything about the suspension during those years or should I get this checked out by my local Jaguar specialists? Any opinion or advice would be most welcome.

 

Welcome to the forums ziedite,

(Both versions of your question were automatically locked for moderation. I've approved this one but deleted the other to keep things simple.)

Wheel size makes a big difference to ride quality. Are you comparing like with like?

Graham

 

Yes, the wheel size is completely identical.

 

Look for updated/graded poly bushes in the 2002... I have 2004,,, and a 2002. The STATES of the suspension parts on each car are different and feel different due to number of miles on the suspension parts, some good/new parts some older and sad to say, some failed. I have a set of upper shock mounts on the flood of the 2004 as we speak. I am ashamed to say that I have yet to have a super close look at the suspension bits on the 2004... The body of my 2002 has 215k miles... The 2004 has just 70k. All these things can make a difference car to car - even the same model car. Just a thing.

 

I should also say that the 2004 XK8 had 87,000 miles and the 2002 has 76,000 miles if that provides any context for all the experts out there.

 

Z, are tire (make, pressure) identical?

John

 

I suggest you inspect the condition and check for play on each individual suspension component including the: upper shock mounts, shock absorbers, lower shock mounts, upper wishbone and lower wishbone bushes and ball-joints, antiroll bar bushes and antiroll bar drop links, front subframe front mounts and front-rear subframe vee-mounts. All of these parts affect the rise and handling of the car. If any rubber boots are torn, that part needs to be replaced. If any part has dry rotted rubber, it also needs to be replaced. If any part is made of polyurethane, you can expect the ride to be a little less compliant but also expect an improvement in handling.

Bad shock mounts and sagging springs also affect the ride height and camber. Re the upper shock mounts, look for crumbling foam in the shock tower from within the engine bay.

 

I've had a 2001 and a 2005 XK8 Coupe. The suspension design was the same. The reason I asked about wheels was the earlier car had 19 inch and the later one had 20 inch. The difference in ride quality was amazing and it put me off 20 inch wheels forever!

However, as wheel size is not a factor in your comparison, it must be due to wear in bushings, struts or mounts. The X100 suspension does require regular attention - particularly to the upper wishbone bushes which can last as little as 15K miles.

Graham