The front shock upper bushings showed some degradation when I bought my car back in June, so I knew it would be a job to be done soon. Car had 39,192 miles on it when I bought it. But the shocks started to go off center not too long after and at 40,000 miles I decided to replace them. I was not getting the metal slapping noises that some report when these go bad, but the camber was visually excessive. Having seen the VERY long thread from Wayne (cjd777 "Top Shock Mount Issue") which, with nearly 18,000 views, I am sure everyone on the forum has seen by now, I contacted him to see if he could supply a set of his modifed bushings. He was very happy to do so and I was very glad. I brought my shock towers to him on Saturday and we replaced them in his garage. We were going to replace springs as well, but after special ordering springs from SNG Barrat, found out they would not likely be here in a hurry. That's another story. So, old springs, new bushings, and we did replace the lower shock mounts as well.

Left side

Right side



The results were impressive. The ride quality and shake in the steering over bumps and ripples in the road is greatly improved and, even better (and I really don't understand how this works), the ride height went from 14 3/4 to 15 3/4 inches without the new springs. It may settle a bit more, but I have 130 miles on the car since installation. We replaced the bushings which are 5/8" and added a rubber spacer 1/4" between the top flange of the shock mount and the inner fender to further isolate vibration from the road and to give it a little more height. But the old bushings were not completely collapsed yet unless they were under the weight of the car. Maybe some of the height loss was also due to the lower bushings wearing also.

The only problem I noticed, and I discussed this with Wayne, was on torqueing the 3 nuts on the top of the tower, the inner fender did dimple a bit, due to the compression of the spacer underneath locally. This could be remedied with either higher durometer material or an aluminum rather than rubber spacer, or maybe some washers under those flanged nuts to spread the load a bit. I thought about fender washers but after looking at it, there isn't room for that large a washer. If I had new springs, I would not have put the spacer there to begin with, but as it turned out everything looks great.

The materials Wayne is using for the bushings is certain to be much more durable than just about anything else out there, and, almost forgot, credit also to Baxtor for the inner bell bushing design! I know this was a collaborative effort with input from many and we are lucky to have people like this and this forum. Thank you Wayne, Baxtor, and anyone else involved in this development!

 

Well done Nick. Glad you were able to make it to Wayne's home shop on Saturday and sorry I was unable to join you due to having to care for our two dogs while my wife was out-of-state....

Wayne and Baxtor indeed have created the best front upper shock mount assembly kit available these days. Keep us posted on how yours are doing as you put more miles on your car....

 

Thank you Nick for a great day together and for the feedback.
I'll work on the area of the three bolts at the top, maybe a tighter hole on the bushing to the bolt. I can try a few things on the bench by using one of the old plates from the ones the members have sent to help us out. An extra plate there might just do the job, out of strong material of course. Oh well, something else to loose sleep over. LOL
Again, thanks.

 

No need to lose any sleep Wayne! Things are looking great. I will report occasionally as the miles add up.
Jon, I'm sue we'll meet up somewhere soon.

 

What are the lower shock mounts that you replaced? I’m trying to figure out all the different verbiage so I can get a parts list together to order some parts. Thank you, does Wayne provide lower shock mounts as well? I understand he supplies the top shock mount but confused if he supplies any other bits and pieces I might need

 

Stran, have the same questions. I'd planned to replace the springs but maybe this isn't a must do? Ride height on mine is 14.25 and I figured new springs was must. Maybe not? Upper shock mount, shocks and lower shock mounts are all a must do.

 

Seems Wayne supplies the Upper Shock Mounts ONLY. Other needed parts will need to be sourced from other vendors. Forum Sponsors and others can provide these items at reasonable prices. Shop Wisely!

 

Stran, CA Jag,
I happened to ordered the lower shock mounts from Welsh Enterprises, but there are numerous providers for these. A quick search for XK8/XKR lower front shock mounts will show you a number of sources and prices. The lower shock mounts may look like regular bushings, but they have a sleeve which moves multidirectionally, like a heim joint.
Stran, my ride height was at 14 3/4 before replacement of bushings/mounts, so if you are starting at 14 1/4, you may indeed need springs as well.
And, if you are ordering new shocks, they will have the lower mount.

 

CA Jag, I would sure buy new springs at that low a measurement. You have to be getting into the wheel well every time you go over a bump.
When you get the strut out of the car, the top mounts and lower area will reveal it's ugly head.
Be glad to help, but don't want to sell you something that would not at least help, if not solve your problems.
Start with the springs and if they sell the lower white plastic clip that fits inside the spring on the lower mount, get one.
The **** will be broken off or the part worn flat.
Wayne

 

I replaced mine a little over a year ago with a type of black delrin. Cant remember where exactly where I got them but they are blown out already. Where do I send my monies? (from San Diego by the way)

 

So how much and how do we order??