Well they finally are working on it. Turns out the front right rim is bent. Upper control arm bushing are bad. Ball joints are good. I had a rattle in the back I wanted to have identified, they thing it is a shock?? All mounts and bushings are good. They did find that the rear end inner u-joints are "weak" with some play but does not need to be fixed at this time if I can't afford to fix it (I can't). They said they are ok but have some play or something like that (I forget how he said it) but I can drive it for now and not have to worry about pending breakage. They way he explained the fix that wont be a cheap fix.
My top shock mounts are toast as I figured. Soooo the money ticker is starting to spin, my wallet is saying NOOOOOO.

 

They did say the rim should be able to be fixed. True?

 

Rims can usually be repaired, but u joint replacement is not a big deal, so I would tread carefully with them. Also, a rattle in back of the seat is often the rear upper shock mounts. Dose that sound like the location?

 

The rattle from the back sound like the drivers side. They think it is the shock its self is broke??? I checked the trunk, nothing in there bouncing around etc. They found nothing look up on the rack, just found the U joint stuff which he says is not the noise.

 

He was talking about the rear ujoints, inner, like you had to pull away the wheel, hub, brakes to get to them. I was at work trying to work and listen so I did not pay attn to the details real well on how it came apart just asked it they needed fixed NOW.
He said they would just grease them well at this point.
What is the best way to PROLONG their life at this point? Changed driving habits? stay away from bad roads?

 

What year is your car? I started hearing rattle at the back of my 2005, not sure if it's my exhaust hitting the car wall or some bushings...I should have it checked out.

 

03 here. They check the exhaust also, nothing there.

 

Ha ha, they were having a little hard of a time wondering why the car has such bad inner tire wear. I just told them on our second call that the car is sitting 1.25 inch lower then Jag spec (what I have been told here that it is) for the front end.
So at this point it appears I am only looking at additional repair being the upper control car bushings. He said that he could tell it was a southern car (has 99k on it) by how clean the bottom is.

 

The best way is to grease the u-joints as a reoccurring maintenance item.

Everyone here knew that the rear u-joints had grease fittings didn't you?

 

They said mine were dry and he also noted that many do not know this is a "maint" item.

 

Well the Upper control arm bushings are shot. So at this point that looks to be to the only extra cost going into the job.

 

since the f'd up front end ate my front tires, new tires are set to reach the shop tomorrow also.

 

well she is back home after some $$$$$$$$ spent. Have to get the one front rim looked at, the shop says it is visually a bit bent. They say it can be fixed. Car is much better not so as for HWY speeds I will let that rim go for a bit while I recoup from today's BILL.

 

Does anyone make Strut tower braces for these cars?

 

Yes, but it will only fit the XK8 not and R:

Jaguar XK8 4 0 1998 Ultra Racing 2 Points Front Strut Bar UR TW2 1551 | eBay

 

I don't have the R. Do our cars allow for a lower brace also?

 

If you mean the under chassis ones, then yes, they will fit.

A few members have mentioned them, but I don't have any experience to comment on their effectiveness.

 

Woow..I want one of this for my coupe...do you think it'll fit a 2005?

 

Should fit, there wan't any change to the mountings across years. And I don't think the intake on the 4.2 is any taller.