I've ordered the Bilsteins, coil spring seats and sway bar links. Is there anything else I'm missing? Should I replace the lower shock bolt/nut?

 

Replace the upper spring isolators (part # MMD3565AA) 'while you're in there'.

You should be fine to re-use the bolt.

 

Actually that upper isolator is the part number I ordered. Is there a part for the lower spring seat also?

 

There is a moulded rubber pad - the 'pigtail spring seat' - between the bottom of the spring and the lower control arm.Part # is CCC7350

I replaced them as they were showing signs of deterioration at the exposed top edges, although it turned out they would have been fine to re-use.

Rothwell has a great write-up of this job in his working thread:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...9/#post1928458

 

What Michael said ^^^^

I just did this job and amazingly the lower rubber seats (or whatever that substance is) were in perfect condition. Sometimes I am just blown away at the resiliency of modern materials.

The Rothwell approach with the scissor jack, and the KEY instruction in turning the out the 4 rear bolts (and the rear 2 for cross braces if yours is a convertible) in the lower flat of the differential plate really made this job a breeze. One PITA was (on the passenger side I think) was getting the upper steel section of the mount around a small loom of wires. Another PITA was (of course) BOTH bolts for the cross braces sheared off, drilling them out was impossible, and drilling holes for 2 new attachment points was needed. Then, another for my hitch was needed two.

Be very careful not to crush the abs sensor with the jack at the top of the hub carrier.

I hate to say, while most jobs on the XK8 can be pretty straight forward, sheared bolts and stripped aluminum threads, stripped torch and the like is the curse. Stops a lot of jobs in their tracks.

If you do have to tap on the end of the lower bolt/pin to get it out, leave the bolt on the threaded end so as not to damage the threads. I took a wire wheel to mine once out and they were fine. Anti seize on installing them.

 

Thanks, I remember seeing that post earlier on and lost track of it. I felt like I was missing something. Thanks!