I need a new top shock mount and I won't have time to wait on 'Wayne's' experiments (Member cjd777). The comments in the thread indicate that the OEM mounts last longer than the Welsh mounts so I'll be ordering a pair of mounts in the next week or so. SNG Barratt lists 2 different top mounts. An aftermarket part and the Jag OEM part. The cost difference is substantial. Which of these 2 parts outlast the Welsh parts? The OEM or the aftermarket? Or both?

Thanks for the help.

 

Warning: If the aftermarket mount is from URO, it is complete garbage. Be sure to ask before you order....

And if you wind up ordering from SNG Barratt, be sure to ask for your 10% Jaguar Forums discount....

 

I just installed the Uro top mounts, I hope you are wrong. In the past the Uro parts have been ok. I do not want to do this job again.
On the left side I pulled the upper A arm to install. On the right side just the wheel liner, this works it all the stars are all lined up.
Glenn

 

I just replaced mine with Eurospare, not URO. Have not had them long enough to say how durable they are. Perhaps some one has more experience. I would avoid URO if that is what SNG Barratt is offering. It would be nice to know who Jaguar uses to make their mounts.

One thing I learnd the hard way is that the spring are really strong and have a unusual shape. I think is you are going to do it yourself I would use 3 spring compressors and make sure all the pressure is gone before pulling off the old shock mount. While you are in there you may want to change your shocks. If they are green then its likely they are the original shocks , new shocks run about 100 a piece. I had to take my shocks to a Jag specialist to have the springs compressed and the new mounts installed. Good luck.

 

I'm in the same boat as tropiccat. I pulled the front wheels today and was looking at the upper shock mount from below and above. The right one appears completely trashed and the top of the shock bolt is WAY off center. I have been watching how Wayne's project is going and it seems very promising. But I have already been down since March 12th when the pothole from hell put me out of commission and I am getting antsy. With the Uro and Welsh issues, It is sounding like the factory mounts may be the only way to go for a semi-reliable fix in the near future that has any hope of lasting for a bit. I wonder if Wayne needs another lab rat?

 

Oops! I hope URO ones are not so bad, I bought it some months ago and they are sitting on the shelf waiting I find thecright shock absorbers.
I've heard about some black ones (urethan too) that litterally melted, so I sorted that yellow ones.
...but, as I bought it, I will mount it (cross fingered)

 

Has anyone tried this kit yet?

 

That's the first I've heard of a repair kit. Good to know. Here's what you need for the job:

 

Interesting pricing at $300+ for two sets of poly bushings only....mounts not included. Blackdog are a pretty reputable and well established outfit.....long time SCCA player. Anyone interested in testing another shock mount option?

 

I might have missed something...”black dog” ?... I went to the website but did not find this kit.
wayne looks to be working on the MUCH needed improvements to the front mounts however I am curious about the components in this kit and if it can be of aid in Wayne’s efforts.


max

 

The ad identifies Blackdog as the manufacturer....Motorcars Ltd are the seller.

 

Max it's on about page 8 or so in their suspension parts, if I remember rightly.
Yes they are high dollar for a kit, but it's not a big issue to put one together.
Glad to know we are starting to get the attention this needed from the dealers.

 

I'm interested in trying this kit if the pop rivets will fit my rivet gun. I emailed the merchant about the rivets but received no reply. Does anyone know the size/diameter of the pop rivets for these mounts?

Given that authentic OEM parts are too expensive and neither the Welsh mounts nor the budget priced after market mounts are durable this kit may be worth a try.

 

...welll crap...I drove over a chunk of something with the left front and after a few day it has leaned farther down.
I think I am being forced to try the blackdog kit as well, for the same reason as tropiccat.

 

LOL, you are not kidding, I sure could of used that on my shock mount change. I had to take mine to a Jaguar shop for assembly. My coil springs had 114k on them and its hard to imagine new springs could be any stronger.

 

I apologize for not having my system ready right away.
Please understand it's not been tested and surely Gian with his new front end install will be the one to get results on the system itself with rough roads, it should happen quickly if something is amidst.

 

Not clear from the pix if the rivets are flat head or button head but pretty much all blind rivets are made to readily available standard sizes. My OEM mounts were drilled and countersunk (120 degree NOT 82 or 90 degree) for flat heads, 5/32" dia. x 3/8" grip length with a 0.083 shank (slip fit for 3/32").
The URO mounts I had were also drilled and countersunk for flat heads, but a size bigger, 3/16" dia. x 3/8" grip length with a 0.114 shank (slip fit for 1/8"). Weirdly, despite the countersink they had used button head rivets. I drilled those out and replaced with 3/16" flat heads because I wanted to be sure the top mount was sitting flush under the shock tower, not on just 3 rivet heads.
I might order two of the Blackdog kits and put them in my now empty old mounts, ready to replace the URO's when they crap out next week....LOL

 

Don't sweat it Wayne, we're all totally impressed by the work you've done on this project thus far, and looking forward to getting some feed back from Gian as and when he's able to start (ab)using those prototype bushings.

 

Wayne, you need not apologize for the delays on my side of the equation. I will have the car on the road by this Sunday. Please understand that while I am trying to finish the install and provide results as soon as possible, I am a dental student with limited spare time. I am doing this in whatever free time I can create.

 

Wayne and Gian, You guys are awesome. I don't think ANYONE is pressuring, just anxious and curious for an answer. It's like a suspense thriller for jag owners. LOL TM