Hi Everyone! Most of the time when I look at my car from some distance, it seems to be lower over the front wheels and higher over the rear wheels compared to my previous 2000 XK8. I was hoping some of you could take a look at these pics and let me know if the clearance above the tires and the car's overall posture is either correct or in need of some kind of adjustment.

Thanks!

 

(Previously posted 5-9-2011)

I had the Mina REAR Lowering Springs installed today at Jenkins Volvo-Jaguar (Milwaukee, Wi) and the results are very Satisfactory.

The height of the Rear Arch to Ground is now identical to the front dimension. The rear sits about 1.25" Lower than before.

The clearance between the top of the Tire and the Arch is actually 1/4" less at the Rear than at the Front now (but, of course, the rear tire is slightly greater in diameter than the Front).

The Ride Stiffness is Unchanged. The Mina Springs are "Progressive" and will stiffen at High Vehicle Loads.

Cost: Mina Rear (only) Springs. $250 inc. Shipping.
Labor: 4hr @ $115/hr----------- $460.
Total:----------------------------- $710

Before:

After:

 

You can't tell if a car is out of adjustment by looking at pictures, sorry. XK's changed ride heights somewhat over the years... My XK8 is lower than my XKR by a tad, but does that mean either are out of adjustment? No.

 

Agreed, there does seem to be quite a bit of variation from one car to another. The 20" wheels on my XKR fill the arches reasonably well, but I still think the car could do to sit at least another 1" lower.

 

True enough. This is the 97 Coupe that I used to have. It has a more uniform Ride Height from Front to Rear.

 

I am thinking about going with the lowering springs as well. Not for stance or posture but in search of a better ride. I still have not gotten used to the ride on my XK8. All jiggly with a lot of rolling at high speeds and turns. The springs are supposed to improve handing. My question is should I go with new shocks at the same time?

 

Yeah, my XK8's ride was just too soft. It would have needed stiffer bushings and bigger rims. Shocks may make a small difference, but you won't get any tighter of a feeling without stiffer bushings, imo.

 

those 17" revolvers may need larger tires, just make sure the overall diameter is correct from your OEM wheel package. It may be slightly off...rear seems a bit too small to my highly untrained eye.

 

I traded this car towards my XKR 8 yr ago.

However it did have new correct size tires (245-50 R17) when this picture was taken.

 

The 17's were an option on the '02, and I put factory spec 245/50/17's on all four so I could rotate them, so the diameter is correct. I do have the origional Impeller style 18" wheels that came with the car in the garage, so if I make a change it'll probably be back to those. They did fill the rear wheel well better. Those were 265/45/18 on the rear, and 255/45/18 on the front. I do agree the rear looks a bit unfullfilled.