The front-end sag on my '99 XK8 finally got too bad to ignore, so I am in the process of replacing my front shock/strut mounts. I've done the left side, driven it around the block, and have the right side almost disassembled. However, it is obvious at this point that this fix won't really do the job. The old shock mounts are pretty rough, but basically intact, and I think the new ones will only be about 1/4" thicker after settling in. I really need close to 1 1/2" improvement in ride height, which will surely require AT LEAST a 3/4" increase in the thickness of the mount.

Obviously new springs are the "correct" solution, but given the uncertainties, delay, and expense of new springs, I think I'll try adding homemade spacers to the mounts. I can add about a 3/8" thick spacer to the top of the "sandwich" by just drilling three holes in the new spacer and using the existing topside studs on the mount. But I'm afraid that still won't give me the ride-height improvement I'd like. A thicker spacer is certainly doable, but would be a bit more work.

As for material, most white kitchen cutting boards are roughly 3/8" thick, maybe a bit more. I really think good thinly layered marine plywood should work just fine.

Seeking advice, opinions, etc. What I'd really like to know is how much a given spacer thickness would translate to increased ride height.

Bob Frisby
Boise, Idaho

 

Bob, suggest you look at this post.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...rocess-262249/

Baxter is doing a kit for what you need. Really good and low in cost.

Having just completed that job I achieved an almost 16 inch clearance. Settled to 15.75+ inches.