I finally found the thread by Dragman on using a nylon cutting board to make the spacers. He even went so far as to replace the shock mount with the nylon stock, but I'm not sure I want to do that. Still, it's a cheap experiment to try if you are unable to buy new mounts.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...0-bucks-77884/

 

He literally used a cutting board? Like what I have in the kitchen? I wonder how it's holding up.

 

He claims to have been doing so for five years with other cars. I wonder if the the ride is too harsh, but I will definitely make a pair of spacers when I replace my mounts with new rubber parts.

 

I think you're talking about the bottom "spring packer" but for the upper mounts; here's what I used to rebuild my front upper spring pads. A bit softer than the hard nylon or UHMWPE. But then I'm one for a genteel ride.

From McMaster-Carr:
McMaster-Carr ( p/n 9455K127 1 Each Medium-strength Neoprene Rubber, Plain Back, 1/2" Thick, 12" X 12", 30a Durometer ) -> you can pick a higher durometer for a stiffer ride

Disassemble your rotted out spring pads and use the metal pieces for a cutting template. I used a utility knife to cut the neoprene rubber. It was tedious and difficult as 1/2" thick rubber is difficult to cut with a knife. And I'd recommend you wear heavy leather gloves while you're doing this in case the knife gets away from you. I know there are rubber cutting blades for jig saws but I didn't take time to find one.

Also, once I got the rubber donuts cut and fitted, I used this to fill in the gaps after I had reassembled the upper mount "sandwich". Just mix up a bit and pour it in. Don't overfill it. Take pictures of the old ones for reference or use photos from the forum to see what new ones look like. I let it stand for a day to set up (it is a two part epoxy-like mix) before I reassembled the spring/shock. Do this in a well ventilated area and wear nitrile work gloves.
McMaster-Carr ( p/n 8644K53 1 Each Urethane Casting Compound, 1 Pound Liquid, Shore (40a), Black )

They aren't as pretty as new ones from Jag but you can't see them. They've been working great for two years now and about 30,000 miles.

Mike

 

Yes, that was the other info I was looking for. You can see from the pictures Dragman supplied that he actually used the nylon to replace the rubber in the sandwich, then made a spacer to go between the top of the mount and the well, giving an additional 1/2" of ride height.
Your method of replacing the bushing more closely matches the factory design.

 

Ever think of hockey pucks?

VWVortex.com - hockey puck mount

 

I'm going to resurrect this thread- has anyone tried hockey pucks?

 

Ok ... I'll play

How about:

- hole saw of suitable diameter
- electric drill
- a piece of old tire tread

steel belt reinforced rubber

 

I am *going* to try one of these ideas (cutting board, puck, tire) in the next few months, just hoping someone has treaded there before me...