Hello XK8 fans,
Is there a measurement for the free length of the front coil springs in the 1997 XK8 convertible.
The front end looks a bit low and tyres sometimes touch the inner guard liner.
Shocks and spring mounts are in good condition. I suspect springs need a reset.
Thanks
Graham
Australia

 

Just a suggestion, if you put a summary of your post as the thread title you will get a better response.

You can also try searching this specific forum by using the search box that you find on the desktop version of the site.

 

Graham, I had a similar issue on my 98 XK8 and researched what the expected height should be. From memory, the distance from the centre of the front wheel to the underside of the arch should be between 15 and 16 inches. Mine was nearer 13. I initially looked at the shock mounts and discovered that they had completely disintegrated. My forum search suggested that I could gain quite a bit more height by changing them.

I used some aftermarket mounts which proved to be useless and ended up getting my original ones rebuilt by @baxtor . These improved the height considerably but I also bought new springs as I discovered that the original ones had sagged quite a bit. I don't recall the exact difference in spring length between old and new but I do know it was noticeable. I now have my front riding close to the recommended height.

As an after thought, do you know if a previous owner has perhaps fitted lowering springs at some time in the past?

I'm in Australia as well by the way.
Phil

 

Phil
Thanks for the reply. Where did you buy the new springs. I am told they are no longer available as a Jaguar part.
I can get a set ex Sydney from a vehicle being wrecked but that is hit and miss.
To get them remade or reset we need to know the free length, load to compress to a specific length, and material spec, and of course somebody with the skill to do it. Its probably a lost art.
I will try sourcing from the UK .

Graham

 

Hi Graham. After much research I ended up buying springs from Berkshire Jaguar in the UK. Not the cheapest option, I'm sure but even with postage and a generally unfavourable exchange rate, it was a good buy. The springs are German made and good quality. They and Baxtor's shock mount rebuild certainly gave me back the correct ride height.
Phil