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I have searched but didn't find very detailed info on how to replace the rear shocks 1998 XK8. I had such a nice improvement after doing the front, I'd love to look and see how complicated it is to replace the rears.
If anyone knows of a good instruction, please let me know when you have a chance.
Stick your face under the rear suspension and remove the bolts that hold the back section of plate. Bend the living $h!t out of the back part and the arms will lower enough that the dampers and springs will fall on you if you don't jump out of the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I haven't seen a step by step instruction but the above thread will help. You will need slim spring compressors(standard ones won't fit in the limited space) and an extra pair of hands will be a huge help. I did mine on my own - it can be done. Remember to mark the lower pivot bolt when moving the hub to one side. Compared to the front it is considerably more awkward but definitely do able if you are used to DIY repairs.
John, If you have a place to do this job that doesn't require a time limit, go for it, other wise, let a professional handle it. Most of it is laid out right in front of you, it's the top hat on top of the shock that can give a pain. There is a shelf on the top hat that was designed for a tool with a couple of hooks on each side of it, wouldn't be hard to make it or just use the very strong ties and cut them when everything is in place. Jon89 and I had to shorten the compressor clamps to make it a easy fit.
Either one of us could help you on the phone if you get in a little trouble and we promise not to giggle.
Oh, the caliber and rotor off gives a lot more room, and the rotor can be a SOB to get off.
If you unbolt the triangular steel plate on the bottom of the suspension and BEND IT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the lower control arms will FALL low enough that the springs will FALL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You don't need to remove the wheel hubs or anything else.
I have written about this MANY TIMES.
It is the easiest way to remove the dampers/springs.
Listen to Motorcarman. Rear shocks are much easier than the front which are not all that hard to change either. Just remove the four 19MM bolts on the bottom of the rear cross plate and you have all the room you need.
A quick question on the dropping of the cross member. The car is on jack stands and we are taking bolts out of the cross frame. What is going to come down with this that needs support, and does any of it come down in a hurry, like WTF.
I sure see it would be much less pain, I can testify to the hardest way to do it.
Thanks Guys, this is encouraging. I was getting an alignment this morning and I asked how much they would install my shocks for (rear): $425.!! (4 hour estimate) I think I'll put this on my todo list.
A quick question on the dropping of the cross member. The car is on jack stands and we are taking bolts out of the cross frame. What is going to come down with this that needs support, and does any of it come down in a hurry, like WTF.
I sure see it would be much less pain, I can testify to the hardest way to do it.
Wayne
Why are you dropping the entire 'cross member'??
Remove the 4 bolts under the diff and PRY the plate DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is ALL that is required to lower the arms.
Why are you dropping the entire 'cross member'??
Remove the 4 bolts under the diff and PRY the plate DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is ALL that is required to lower the arms.
Y'all are making this harder that it needs to be.
bob gauff
Good advice, I'll be doing it this winter cycle, question can I replace the springs as well this way or ?
I wanted to see for myself how long it takes to replace rear shocks on an XKR. There was nobody to bother me on Saturday morning so I pulled the car in the shop and got to work. I removed the left rear assembly in about twenty minutes but found some PO had scrimped and installed non CATS Bilstein shocks in place of the correct units. I wondered why the car seemed tailhappy. I had the electrical connectors but I did not have the special barrel-type nuts on the top of the shocks. One would think that for $400+ dollars each that they could provide the top nuts. The special nuts are on the way and I will try again the next weekend.
If you unbolt the triangular steel plate on the bottom of the suspension and BEND IT DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! the lower control arms will FALL low enough that the springs will FALL OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You don't need to remove the wheel hubs or anything else.
I have written about this MANY TIMES.
It is the easiest way to remove the dampers/springs.
bob gauff
Call me stupid, but a picture of what to unbolt would make this much easier to understand.
Stick your face under the rear suspension and remove the bolts that hold the back section of plate. Bend the living $h!t out of the back part and the arms will lower enough that the dampers and springs will fall on you if you don't jump out of the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bob, I was planning on replacing the rubber parts of mine later this year as they are causing a slight rattle. Your suggestion comes at the right time.
Stick your face under the rear suspension and remove the bolts that hold the back section of plate. Bend the living $h!t out of the back part and the arms will lower enough that the dampers and springs will fall on you if you don't jump out of the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
bob gauff
Bob, are you the same bob Gauff that is/was on a pbs car show?! if so, I've seen many episodes with you in em and your work is well done.
I have a 99 xk8 convertible and am trying to replace rear struts. I have body on jack stands and have removed 4 bolts from plate. Removed bolt from shock, x-brace, and sway bar end link and nuts holding top of shock mount. Not dropping near enough to remove spring. What am I missing???
Replace rear shocks
