I had the same problem. I have done spring compression before on other cars without problems. The XK8 doesn't allow room to get the spring compressor high enough to make this an easy job. The spring is also pretty tightly sprung. I ended up bring the strut to a shop and had them do it.

 

same here. I likely will never do it again on this car, but if I ever get another xk8 I will let a shop do it. Very difficult.

 

well I am going to have a shop put mine in, when ever they get here..