My new Lady needs a front end alignment for sure. Four wheel allignment came up on shops website. Is having these rear wheels checked a normal thing for these cars… or is this only if something is clearly wrong? Thanks for all your awesome advice!
in case my info isn’t in correctly… 2003 XK8 Coupe , 33,500miles

 

Welcome to the Forum; congrats on your low-mileage XK8 Coupe find! With your low mileage, you wouldn't think that you'd need an alignment at all, but age can be a factor with life-limited suspension parts as well as dealing with daily potholes, curbs, and loose skateboards. A four wheel alignment is highly recommended on our Jaguars, as they have independent suspension and a number of things can get out of whack, affecting tire wear as well as handling. I've had good luck at my local PepBoys, and purchased a 5 year, all-wheel service agreement when I began replacing old suspension components on my 83,000 mile barn-find several years ago. They were offering a large discount on the 5 year agreement when I purchased it, but they also have 3-month-to-lifetime agreements, all under $200. (The 5 year or lifetime agreements really only make sense if you will be replacing aged components over a period of time.)

I was in their shop about a year ago to check things out after replacing the inner and outer tie rods. They informed me that the rear camber was now out of adjustment limit and I probably needed a shim kit, but I was getting ready to replace the rear shocks and bushings anyway and told them to hold off. After replacing the rear bushings (and shocks), there was plenty of adjustment available and shims were not required when I took it back in...

 

Wow! What a find. Exactly what Redline said. Wouldn't hurt to have it checked and see where you stand. It's still an old car and it would be good to have a baseline to get you started.
Welcome and chime in often. You have already noted the abundance of advise and info here. TM

 

Guys just be careful. Redline did well, but all pep boys are not created equal.

I went to the one in Princeton NJ last month, happily signed up for the $150 lifetime alignment.

Then I got the car back, went over the results. Long story short: they only adjust toe. PERIOD.

They refuse to consider castor part of normal alignment. Will gladly look at it for T&M$.

They looked at me like I had 2 heads when I asked if the ball joints are solid, not part of alignment for them. But I could make an appointment and pay the hourly rate for them to look.

I didn't even bother asking them how one can do an alignment with a faulty ball joint or two. But then . . . Ah, I've made my point. Beware.

John

 

Got the three year alignment deal at Just Tires. They check and adjust both front and rear alignment on my 2014 XK.

 

I opted for Firestone and bought a lifetime alignment deal for $170. Brought it in one day after hitting a pot hole rather hard, just to check to make sure all is well. They did say that my rt rear was out of camber by 2 degrees. They said they dont work on suspension parts, and the dealer is $240/hr. Hasnt been an issue yet. Time will tell.
congrats on your find, theres nothing better than a Jag

 

Johnken, This is a great time of year for a road trip. Drive your '98 out to Vegas; I'll bet the great PepBoys shop here will be glad to honor your agreement and give you a complete, four-wheel alignment while you wait! (appointment recommended....)

 

Redline - LOVE IT! Thanks I needed a smile.

John

 

Thanks STLTHMSTA. The last time I found exactly the car I wanted was in 1988 (1970 1/2 Z-28).
Incredible to experience it again with a ‘grown up’ version of my old Z!
I’m hooked on this place. I’ll be back daily looking at something or other.
Catch you at the Green Light Buddy! Thanks

 

Thanks Redline for the congrats and warm welcome! Yes the only issue mechanically showing symptoms is the steering when at highway speeds. I’m driving 350 miles tomorrow night to pick up another incredible find. A full set of Apollo 19” wheels with good shape Cooper’s mounted for $800 right when I couldn’t find front Apollo’s anywhere period. Such Luck with this car so far!!! So After mounting Apollo’s I’ll take it in for alignment and get all 4 corners inspected closely.
I think I found a good service shop. I’ll ask what they offer for maintenance agreements. But sign it next time, after checking out their work at high speeds & curvy roads!
I didn’t know anyone did contractual maintenance. Thanks a bunch for your greedily-received advice.


I just left Vegas last week. We coulda cruised the strip!

 

Yeah thanks Johnken! Right now I need reminding that Shops can be slippery slopes with any car….and these aren’t Any Car!
I’ll definitely read the small print first!

 

Thanks Fourkegdave for the share and congrats! I’m feeling the same way about these cars. It feels like the beautiful Beast Lives!