Hey there forum Guys n Gals. My 2001 Vert has the original disintegrating top strut (foam?) material. I have viewed several videos of how these struts can be removed, disassembled, rebuilt with new, better parts and re-assembled. Honestly, I am not up to that task but would rather spring (pun intended) for a totally new set of pre-assembled struts to include all the parts (top plates, bushes, new shocks, springs etc etc.. I just want to install the totally new struts into the car and be done. Has any member purchased new, aftermarket strut assembles that replace the originals?

Thanks
Steve (Risctaker)

 

Hey,

I did this recently in the UK and purchased the below to provide a full replacement assembly for a standard suspension set up.

2 x Bilstein damper/ shock absorber - MJA2140DJ
1 x Springs set of 2 - JLM20712
2 x top mount - mja2170bd
2 x pan spring - mja2166BCG
2 x spring assister - mja2150ba
2 x gaiter - MJA2148AAG
2 x spring packer - mja2162aag

Check with any supplier against your VIN to confirm compatibility.

Scott

 

Steve, to my knowledge there are no full struts on the market.
I have had members send me in the mail their assembly's. Shipping is not cheap and they weigh about 30 pounds. Mostly they order the new parts, shocks or lower shock bushings if they think the shock is good, but not something I recommend, as they are half the price of a shock for a good one. You also need a pair of bump stop kits.
Take a measurement of the front end from the center of the wheel to the top of the wheel arch and with worn out springs you will be in the 14.5 inch range, above the new parts could bring you up to specs, if not then new springs are needed.
When you order all these
parts have them sent to me, or I can gather the materials above and add my new top mounts.
Your car will be down for a couple of weeks if you figure, you taking them off, sending them to me and then I install the parts you sent, so some planning on getting the parts to me in time for you shock towers to arrive without delay plays an important part in the equation.
I have tried to pick up some at junk yards to have on hand but that's seems to be the first thing gone from the car.
That is one way, or you can do the same if you have a mechanic that will do it for you.
Not cheap.

 

Hi CJD777

Thank you for this valuable information. I would consider this as a viable option. Tell me where you are located as that would play into the shipment costs back and forth.

Thanks
Steve

 

Hi CJD777. Sent you a PM

 

Waynes front upper poly shock mounts along with Baxtors are Top Shelf because of the testing and use by many members. Wayne is in North Carolina. The labor to remove the strut with springs can be difficult if the upper fulcrum bolt is seized. Otherwise; the job is not too bad. Once the unit is removed, either have an Auto Service shop compress and remove the springs then add the new Strut,, bump stop and Boot if needed and place the parts in correct order removed. Some of my terminology may differ but one can determine what they are. There are threads for people who have access to press and other tools needed also. I'd spend $75-$80 to avoid using press as long as mechanic did job correctly. Spring must be aligned on the strut properly and not off the packed slot.

 

Thanks for that valuable input. I'm working with Wayne now to make this all happen.

Steve

 

Hi Guys

I know that are available in the USA, but does anyone know a source of Good top mounts in UK, as the Jaguar ones are expensive( and not the best), and I have read so many stories of them a failing way way too early!
Thanks all

 

Send a PM to "baxter" in Australia. Info is that he does ship the custom mounts there

 

Thanks

Tried looking to PM, but lots of Baxters!
No sign of just Baxter, or Baxter Australia, has anyone contacted him recently please/

 

It is Baxtor with an "o".

 

Sorry, this was all my fault for trying to type on a phone in a hurry, the Australian super guy has a Forum name of baxtor... notice not capital.
We started looking for an answer years ago and he makes getting his mounts all over the world, look easy.
While you are at it. get his kit for the rear, it will come sooner or later that you will need it.

 

Adamesh in UK sells the here also well known "phobman" strut mounts. Check TTG:

 

Thank you both, for that info!!
Off to coffee and jaguar at Alcester now!

 

I have messaged you privately.

 

You guys continue to be the BEST, most helpful people on the internet forums. I have done my front studs already and may take the advice to get rear top mounts to have on hand. I've been way to busy with other things to give Kitty the proper attention she deserves. I won't bore you with moving stories, Probate court (brother passed in Feb.) still working etc. But she waits patiently til I can take a drive. Going to Cars and Coffee myself this morning near me in the Cincinnati, OH USA area.

So, having said all that, I have a killer strut press with attachments JUST FOR the XK8 struts. I am dying to help someone out near enough to come to my place or go to yours. I have received and read so much good advice from so many I feel I need to contribute something to say thanks. So someone who needs to rebuild struts contact me and we'll work out something. 10 MINUTES!!! I swear ( though no swearing is proper on the forum) that's how easy it is. AND safe, No springs flying across the shop. TM

This is the good one!! It pays to have a machinists friend.

This is the BAD one!! In fact, I scrapped those attachments.

 

He PM'ed me, so all good, thanks everybody!

 

TM, I did buy that machine and it was never going to work on a Jaguar XK8. Made the plates you have but only had the thin 1/4 inch and it was going to take my head off. LOL
Thanks you for the offer to help in your area, I try to do the same.