In December the front ride height was 14 1/8 Left and 14 5/16 Right. I replaced the upper mounts and shocks, and also put a 3/8 spacer on top of the left mount. After about 200 mi. I now have 15 1/4 Left and 15 3/8 right, a lot closer to the 15.74 spec., and better than I expected. Those yellow pads were really compressed.
Now to get alignment done in case the toe in is off.
I thought the nylon spacer would raise the left side more than the right, but it is what it is,

 

Did you use OEM (from Jaguar) shock mounts? A kit? Where did you source them? I will be replacing my upper mounts soon and am interested in what people have found working. I know looking back at some of the old posts some people were unhappy with the kits.

 

I bought the mounts from Partsgeek. They were on sale and the same price as the kits from other sources. After taking one of the old mounts apart, I can see why Gus suggested buying assembled mounts.

 

Partsgeek has taken the mounts off their website catalog. They told me it was a discontinued part. Hope they resupply at some point.

 

OEM mounts are junk unless they are the upgraded urethane units.

Welsh Enterprises, Inc - Jaguar XK8 / XKR (97-06) Front Suspension Parts - Front Shock Mount Bushing Kit - Urethane - XK8

 

I hope it was a supply, not quality issue. I would not be pleased if I had to replace them again in a couple of years. Just to be safe, I saved the old ones and will attempt a rebuild with some of the materials others have tried.

 

RJ, from what I've read regarding the OEM mounts - they should last around 100K miles. I noticed the foam disintegrating around 100K but didn't think anything of it until the front end noticeably dropped and the car developed a loud squeak from the shaft of the shock contacting the chassis. I went with the oem mounts from Welsh and so far am pleased but it's only been about 6 months or so.