Okay, I went to the Rockauto website, looking for coil springs for my 1999 XK8 convertible.
They list a front coil spring for the car, for around $75.00 each.
The problem is, it is listed as being only for Great Britain and Ireland applications.
What does the rest of Europe use?
What coil springs are used on the rest of the world's XK8's?
Does anyone know what the difference might be? I do NOT have active suspension, so no electronics. I cannot imagine for the life of me how the springs for Great Britain and Ireland could be different from everyone else's. Blessed with leprachaun dust, perhaps?
I called Rock Auto, and they could not say anything about how they might differ from the springs used over the rest of the world. Their only suggestion was that I order a set, and if they don't fit, they would take them back, but the shipping would be on me. I would sure like to know that I am getting the correct springs before I go through all this.
Has anyone ordered from them? Were the springs correct?
My car (Samantha) and I would love to be back on the road again.

 

I don't like seeing threads with no replies so let's see if this will prompt responses from members who have replaced front springs.

US buyers prefer softer suspension to UK (European) so it's not unusual for UK specification vehicles to have harder springs. This was the case with the XJ6/8 but, when I've checked the Parts Manual, does not appear to apply to the XK8.

However, there is still a bewildering selection of front springs listed for the XK8!

1. different springs for N/A and S/C and then between Standard and Adaptive Control Damping.

2. different springs for Convertible and Coupe

3. Part Number changes with VIN


(click on the image to enlarge it)

After all that, I'd be amazed if they aren't all physically the same shape and would therefore fit. Provided you are replacing the front springs as a pair, it's unlikely to make a huge difference.

Graham

 

Thanks Graham. I too will be looking to replace springs when I do my front shock mounts this year (way overdue BTW) and have been overwhelmed by the options.

Being the cushy American that I am, I would look for something closer to the stock spring versus anything more aggressive. I'll save those for the XKR guys.

Lots of threads on the forum about lowered or stiffer springs, but not much on just straight up replacement with non-OEM. Come on guys, I know more than one of us has done this. Brand names would be good since many of the online catalogs (i.e. RockAuto) vary description by brand. And where is our friend from SNG Barratt?

 

You rang?


We supply aftermarket Suplex springs for the early non adaptive coupes & soft tops. Part numbers:


JLM20712* - Convertible
JLM20162* - Coupe




Links below for pricing. As usual you could benefit from 10% off these prices. We've not been supplying these that long but have never had any issues thus far. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance.


www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=d17107bf-ae8c-45a9-8dd5-bc870aa101d5


www.sngbarratt.com/ProductDetails.aspx?id=c729146c-4d9d-4d3e-a0e4-df6337db2855

 

What took you so long?

Graham

 

When I replaced the front springs on my 97 I priced springs from Europe and the shipping cost off set any savings. I got my springs from (what was then) Nalley Jag, but they're no longer. I did find that there were FOUR different front spring part numbers and it was dependent on VIN number; but that may have only applied to the 97.

 

THANK YOU, SNG BARRATT! I have seen springs listed at $300 or more per set, and now I find you have them at about $80.00 each! I will be sending you an order shortly.
Thanks also for the clarification on the part numbers. Now I know what to order!
I don't mind paying more if it's for good parts. Also, THANKS! for being a web site sponsor!