It was time-consuming, but not technically difficult. For some reason one of the upper wishbone bushings wanted to travel with the fulcrum bolt as I was pushing it out, but it gave me an opportunity to examine the bushing when it came out. It was fine, aside from a reluctance to pass the bolt through. All the upper bushings looked and felt good. You can also check the ball joints and lower wishbone inboard bushings as well, once all the tension is off the suspension.
I bought a spring compressor from Harbor Freight which worked perfectly. I added two hardened washers under the head of the actuator bolt (you often have to "improve on HF stuff) and greased them and the threads well before use. It comes with a "span link" which is needed with the XK8 front springs since they are variable rate and at the bottom, the coil pitch and diameter are too small to engage the compressor hooks. Instead, the lower hooks engage the span link which is placed below the lower spring perch (see photo).
Reassembly was fairly easy, other than juggling the suspension parts with your knees while trying to hold the shims and insert the fulcrum bolt with your other three (I wish) hands.
My upper mounts weren't badly deteriorated (left photo), but had taken a compression set (right photo) and were beginning to crumble in places.
Took me about 6 hours at a leisurely pace.

 

That looks like a good spring compressor how much was that?.
Also where did you buy the mounts from? and what was the cost.
Thanks Peter

 

Got the upper mounts from Gaudin Jaguar for $395.70 including shipping. They were the last two he had a couple weeks ago, but check availability to see if more are in.
The spring compressor was $75.76 (incl CA sales tax) at Harbor Freight.

 

Thanks for the info and pictures.

Really jealous of the spring compressor.

Mine are due for replacing and look to be in worse shape than yours. Every one of my usual go-to places seems to be out of these mounts and I have balked at the dealer pricing (surprise).

 

I too need to change mine but everyone's out. You must have been the person that called gaudeb the same day I did. They said the just dole the last set hours before.
Question, did it noticeably change the front height? My front is sitting low and I've been told its probably my crumbling shock mounts and bushings. I was also told my springs may be sagging but I heard its rare that both would go at the same time. Any thoughts?
I have got to get this delt with since its wreaking havoc with my arden front skirt!

 

My car gained about 1/2in as measured from the top of the tire to the wheel arch from changing put the upper mounts.

 

My mechanic said the mounts, while crumbling, were still decent, showing me how they were still somewhat soft. But when I take a screwdriver and poke at the compressed section below the crumbling lip, it definitely flakes out. I'm my opinion, they're shot. I don't think he wants to do it!
I was also told I can rent a spring compressor from autozone. I've watched the videos and I think I can do this as well. Getting better with some of these projects and my brother, a pretty good mechanic would help. (Third hand!)
Now if I can just find a set of mounts!!

 

Partsgeek has been out of stock for about a month now, Welsh has a kit for $115 or the replacement for $145. I just ordered the replacement from welsh - $313 w shipping

 

Thanks! I just ordered too.
While I'm at it, what other bushings should I replace to try to get my front end back up to where it should be. Any other culprits that could cause the front end to be about 1 1/2 inches too low. And do high springs typically sag at the same time?

 

I didn't take before & after measurements, but looking at the gap between the front tire and fender I'd estimate my front came up about half an inch as well.

 

Notice any difference in ride? David.

 

got new upper mounts in the mail today - hope to install this week - will post new thread so as not to hijack Ken's

 

I'd say the ride quality has improved in the following way; there is a washboard section of pavement on my way to the gym (this is California .. no $ left to repair roads after paying the cushy retirement benefits of state workers) and I used to get some cowl shake on it. Doesn't happen now.