Hello all -

I need to change out the front and rear shock absorbers on my 1997 XK8 and I'm wondering if I can do it myself. If I can, I'd like to know what special tools or equipment I might need, anything I need to know before I start, etc. etc. I looked through this forum but I haven't found any workflows or other detailed information on this. I've never changed out shocks on any vehicle but I'd like to do the work myself and get to know much more about this beautiful machine of mine. Also, my mechanic quoted me $2000 for parts and labor. Based on the prices of the shocks that I'm seeing online, I think that I'd prefer to do the work myself and save that much in markup and labor costs.

I also gather that Bilsteins are the best choice? Any alternate suggestions, or recommendations on where to buy from online? I was looking specifically at this:

https://www.allshocks.com/bilstein/h...ear=%271997%27

Thanks very much for your input and advice! This is an excellent forum.

All the best -

Pete

 

I think most members recommend staying with the Bilsteins. Here is a procedure for the front shocks by Rev. Sam:
Are you sure you need shocks and not bushings?
RJ_________________
97 XK8 86K mi

 

Excellent, thank you for guiding me to this video. Watching it has led me to another couple of questions. How does one know when the shock mounts themselves need to be replaced, and is it a good idea to always replace them when replacing the shocks?

Regarding your question about bushings: I put it in the shop and asked them to take a look at the suspension, which felt pretty bad to me, especially the front. They called me back and told me all 4 shocks needed to be replaced. They did not mention bushings but I will ask today when I pick up the car.

Thanks again -

Pete

 

Here's what old worn bushings and spring pads look like. And a few shots of one front spring/shock in various stages of dis-assembly. This was about 150k miles or so, IIRC.

The upper spring pad should be at least a half inch thick. New ones are about 3/4" thick when assembled and under spring pressure. I made my own replacements. The lower shock bushing comes with the new shock.

Mike

 

the chanses of all four shock being duff is unlikly..would not trust this.lower bushes are easy to test and replace..and a bounce test to test recovery..get a second or third opinion..

 

RJ237
Thanks for the great tips and also the same for the transmission oil pan/transmission fluid replacement which I tackled last weekend. How about the differences of front shocks and shock mount replacement. Any difference?

 

Replace both shock tower mounts while your in there. I have 98 with 75000 on it and as you can see from my post...the shock mounts are toast. If yours aren't now they will be soon..dont get the rebuild kits..new ones are not that much more...check everything else while you are under there!! Let me know where you find the best price on the shocks...I've yet to order mine...Im getting all my other parts at the dealer...its easier for me to do that...Good luck...

 

Good price on the shocks, exactly as expected for Bilsteins; I realize new lower bushings can be only $15 each, but if there's any chance the shock is getting sluggish, and high mileage on here (mine were needing replaced at around 100k miles), you might as well kill two birds...and all that jazz. Especially if you're into the upper mounts anyway, that's labor you're already performing.

 

I've seen a lot on XK8 shocks but not much on XKR with CATS. I have a new 2003 XKR with 79000 miles and want to change my front shocks, springs and upper shock mounts and associated parts. I have watched a coupled videos on changing the upper shock mounts on the XK8. Is there muck more to changing all of this on the XKR and does anyone know the best source for buying the my parts? Thanks

 

no difference from what I've heard, except the connectors at the top of the shock tower. Most don't mess with new shocks, if they're still good, and just replace the bushings on the bottom, due to their higher cost.

Mounts will cost you $175 each side, front shocks and springs are going to get expensive! I cant even find a price for those last two online on the jaguar parts sites I have bookmarked.

 

Gaudin Jaguar Parts (800-585-4704) have the front shocks listed for $477.50 each. Jaguar Parts Center (phone # 800-510-1401) has them listed for $ 481.32. However the shipping charge for Jaguar Parts Center more than makes up the for the almost $4.00 difference in the total cost. I will call to see if they have them in stock and post later on Monday. Gaudin advertises they have "the lowest prices Jaguar parts on the web" however their shipping charge is a lot more than Jag Parts Center making their bottom line cheaper.

 

Update on parts prices from Gaudin. I called mark and he told me the shipping is automatically figured at 12.5% but if you ask to have the shipping recalculated, my shipping was half. I also purchased a couple hard to find parts from British Parts UK (http://britishparts.co.uk/t/jaguar/jaguar-XK8-XKR) I found an OEM ball joint for the front lower forward control arm. No jag dealer in the US sells just the ball joint. That front forward lower control are is almost $600. now. I bought the OEM ball joint for about $40. It took all of 5 days to get to me from the UK. I bought my 2003 XKR (BLACK CAT) about a month ago and have changed all the fluids including the transmission pan/filter and all new torex screws, done a complete rear brake job (pads and new Brembo rotors), switched to Mobile One full synthetic oil, new spark plugs, new K&N cold air intake system, adjusted my throttle linkage, and installed 50 sqft of GTMAT Automotive Sound Insulation 50mil PRO/Rattle Eliminator. The XKR convertible is a naturally quiet car however afte installing this material under the rear seats and the full trunk, the ride is now incredible. You remove the rear seats and tear out the old thin foam material and remove all panels in the trunk area and cover all bare metal you can get to. Be liberal with the material. 50 sqft will cover everything with a little left over. This now the quietest car I have ever driven or ridden it. Great material. Better than the Dynamat used by Chip Foose in his "Overhauling TV show and about half the price. I found a comparison chart that showed the sound reduction at different decibels. It took about 6 hours but worth every minute. It also enabled me to check areas I don't normally see and clean dust from the electronics compartment. The whole area is now clean, quiet and pristine. With the help of the forum threads and videos, I plan on hanging my front struts/shocks, shock mounts and replace the torn ball joint on the front forward control arm. Parts are on order. Next project will be to update/upgrade my antique GPS with an all-in-one GPS, bluetooth, satellite radio and rear camera.

For all of you contributors to the jag forum I thank you. I have never done some of the mechanical things but with the videos and detailed threads it looks easy or should I say doable. Thank You all !!!!!

 

Thanks for the tip on the GTMAT, i've been looking for a better priced 'equivalent' to the other sound dampening materials.

 

Did you make a new rubber to fit between the mount and spring seat?

 

Yes, just cut a donut out of urethane sheet I ordered from McMaster Carr. 1" thick, durometer 20 I think. Make it stiffer if you want, I prefer a gentler ride. Use the metal parts as a cutting template. I'm out of the country so can't access the exact order info right now.

Mike

 

Changed the front shocks and upper shock mounts on my coupe today. Thanks for the video and info. 88K, interestingly the shock mount bushing material looked pristine. The upper a-arm bushings were a different story, will need some help.

I've not found shocks to last longer than 30-50k, although those were sports cars.

 

I am trying to find something on replacing the rear shocks and struts on my 97 XK8. Does anyone know where I can find something?
Thanks, Dick King

 

We supply all of the above, and will be very competitive on price.

Our upper shock mounts are very good sellers and better than any price i have seen elsewhere.
Front Upper Shock Mounts Pair 1997 2006 Jaguar XK8 XKR MJA2170BD | eBay

If you need prices please drop me your requirments and VIN number and i'll be happy to send you a quote. Regards William@SngBarratt.com

*And as usual JF members get a 10% discount*

 

Have you tried entering rear shocks in the forum search? Here is one of the threads:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...shocks-146663/

 

I wanted to change front shocks on my 2002 XK8, but decided to use a local shop. They charged $350 to install new Bilstneis from Rock Auto