my 03 xk8 the strut mounts are shot, when looking at the the top mounting from the engine bay there is bushing MUSH coming up and the main center bolt is WAY off center on both sides. The rear end seems to be sittings at a good height? Does anyone know that ride height from center of rim to fender lip
At 95 k should I replace just the mounts, the front is sitting a little below 14.5 inches.
Should I replace just the mounts, or that and the struts or that stuff and the springs. At 95k should springs need replacing? I am struggling with how far to take this repair of the mounts clearly being shot.

 

Likely the lower bushing is bad on the shock (which actually costs nearly as much as an aftermarket Bilstein shock). Then you would want to factor in the labor for replacing (or your time to do) and an alignment after doing makes me say do at the minimum the mounts and the shocks. Springs should be fine but they do go so they may be going south as well. I would also have a look at your ball joints and bushes before doing anything as now would be a good time to keep right on going.

 

Deteriorating mounts is very common and can happen at much at lower mileages. Your ride height is low. Normal front height at curb weight is 15.75 I believe.

Coil springs can also lower height, as well as the lower bushings in the struts. Tip: if the lower busing is bad, replace the shocks. The difference in price is not significant and you avoid replacing them later. Plus it's easier.

Search the forum threads, many discussions on this issue along with how-to's.

Make sure you clean the threads on the new mounts of paint. Otherwise they may cross thread or snap off.

 

What they said.....my 03 at 87 K was at 14.5 inches. After new shocks and mounts it's sitting at 15.5. Shock mounts around $140 each, shocks around $110 each, check parts geek. Discount Auto Parts Online -- PartsGeek.com - Domestic & Import Auto Parts Warehouse for good prices. With you doing your own work you should be around $500 all in but of course while in there ya might as well replace the upper control arm bushing at the least, another $100, as you have to remove the control arm anyway. Also get new gators and bump stops for the shocks, another $20 or so.

Very easy job done on jack stands as long as your control arm bolt comes out easy. Search on this issue as it can be a bitch, however mine came out like butter on both sides.