after seeing a few posts of rear shocks being replaced - spent part of yesterday and today completing the task as well as installing the Mina rear muffler delete. I've only had the suspension parts for a year so it was about time and looking at the pics - should have been done a year ago!!! Finally installed the lowering springs I bought 2 years ago as well. Now to schedule an alignment

 

Steve, Nice Job! That must be a relief to get it done, looks good. Tell us how she handles now when you get a handle on it.

Hey what was the hardest part of the rear shock replacement? I"ve got to do that too, 110,000 miles and factory rear shocks! I was riding with failed anti sway bar link bushes on one rear side for a bit - it causes a lot of body sway (I was blaming the new brand of tires in my head). New bushes = nice and tight like I remembered. Bet the new shocks and springs are incredible.

John

 

biggest pain was reinstalling the new shocks/springs. Even using motorcarman's recommendation to remove the 4 bolts and bend the hell out of the bottom plate - it was a bit of a struggle. But overall - it's not a bad job! I did replace rear sway bar bushings and link bushings.

 

John - check out post 161 of rothwell's well documented thread. He used a scissor jack to help move the arm down enough to easily install shock/spring

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...9/#post1938772

 

Really nice job.

 

Cheers! My SC buddy. Nice job! I think we all need these upgrades (and many others at some point). Have to say these cars are not the friendliest to work on. Tell you the truth, I find them a beast to work on even for the simplest of repairs but, it can be done with some determination and every tool in your toolbox you can git ur done.

And they ask me why I drink?

Always a serious challenge but worth it in the end.

Cheers!

Look me up if you're in the Low Country ( North Myrtle Beach)

Andrew

 

BTW... Like the muffler upgrade and would like more info. on doing this swap over/cost.

Hey your driveway looks just like mine. Just Saying, lol.

 

Andrew - you're about an hour & half away - we ought to plan a meet-up sometime. I know there are a few other forum members in the Myrtle Beach area.

I truly lucked out on cost for both the lowering springs and the exhaust mod by getting them from forum members just trying to get rid of the parts. The front/rear lowering springs I picked up simply for the cost of shipping (<$70) and the exhaust I recently picked up for $100 + $30 for shipping. The exhaust mod used to be available through Mina Galleries for around $400 but I only see the complete exhaust change now. It's simply straight pipe from the rear axle to the exhaust tips - gives a nice growl to the cat. Took all of 30 minutes to swap out while I was doing the suspension

 

I like your style my friend. This can be an expensive hobby but common sense and shopping a bit can make it doable for most of us. Especially when you are willing to put forth the effort (labor) to make these upgrades a reality. Like I said, this car pushes me more than most but, I think it's worth it at the end of the day.

Don't make it down to the Charleston area very often but, if you want to hang out let me know anytime. Jaguar folks are a special breed and I appreciate what we do.

Cheers!

Andrew

 

Exhaust is a must do.Love the sound of my cat but, wouldn't mind a little more growl.