I am looking for the direct experience of the community when it comes to replacing XK8 coil springs:

• Have you replaced yours?
• What did you replace them with?
• How have they worked out for you?

I am doing other work on the front suspension of my '97 XK8 convertible, and I am tempted to replace the coil springs to eliminate the chance that I will still have low right height and tire contact with the wheel well liner over some bumps and dips when I am done. I am not looking to lower my car, so my focus is on standard height springs.

Thanks!
Tom

 

I have h r lowering springs and have never rubbed a bit front or back. Be sure to replace your mounts when you do it as those are probably where your issues are coming from, not the springs though at nearly 20 years old they are likely a little unsprung. Oh and now is a good time to also do your shocks unless they have recently been replaced (esp if you're paying someone else to do 'em.

 

my stock springs/shocks were shot and wasn't necessarily looking to lower either but thanks to a fellow forum member got a killer deal on a set of Mina front springs and H&R rear. only the fronts have been installed so far - will replace rear in the near future. Lowered is the same height as the dead OEM and have not had any issues

 

Thanks guys!

I already have new shocks and top mounts. I had read a thread where someone had replaced both and still had issues. I am thinking it may be good to be comprehensive. Spring compressors are a pain. So is taking the assemblies to a shop to have it done.

Tom

 

My car didn't change height much as my top mounts were completely gone and as I said, with new everthing I haven't rubbed (that left a mark on the inner fender) in 20k. Of course I would also do the rears as well otherwise you will have that jackrabbit look if you do go with drop. I didn't find them too bad to compress compared to other cars. Just got to be proactive when placing the compressors so you can get them in and out. Of course if you're doing all new just need a bit of compression.

 

My car didn't change height much as my top mounts were completely gone and as I said, with new everthing I haven't rubbed (that left a mark on the inner fender) in 20k. Of course I would also do the rears as well otherwise you will have that jackrabbit look if you do go with drop. I didn't find them too bad to compress compared to other cars. Just got to be proactive when placing the compressors so you can get them in and out. Of course if you're doing all new just need a bit of compression.

 

my 03 xk8 at 100k was sitting over an inch low on both front wheels. About 1 1/4 below riding spec actually. I had shocks/springs/upper/lower mounts put on. Surprisingly the upper mounts while compressed some were not thin mint sized, ha ha ha. I think my springs were toast.

 

I did front shocks, coils, mounts and shocks. Did not raise my height but stopped the wheels from rubbing.

The problem with the height I attribute to incorrect springs. I bought aftermarket versions and they simply are the wrong spring rate. I will be changing them again soon as they have effected camber enough to prematurely wear the tires.

There is a difference for coupe vs. 'vert for the spring rates, so pay attention.

I would highly recommend having the springs compressed by a shop for assembly. Cost is low, it is much faster and there is no danger to you. I tried the rent-a-tool compressors fromAuto-zone first and was unable to make it work. Took them to a shop and $50 later, I was ready to reinstall.

 

Thanks!

What kind of springs did you use for replacement?

Tom

PS I grew up in an Oldsmobile family. I am lusting after your '74 convertible in my mind.

 

It may have been your thread about spring height issues that got me started on this poll. It sounds like it has been a big hassle.

Tom

 

Tom,

There was a forum member that used the same springs as I did and his height dropped about 2 inches. Lost track of his journey, but think he got his money back.

I was offered that but wasn't in a position to be without the car while waiting on replacement springs. Wish now I had.

 

Brgjag:

Did you use stock springs, or aftermarket?

Tom

 

I got mine through Barrett SNG here thru the site. I just got factory ones for it.

 

SNG Barratt - The Ultimate Jaguar Parts Specialist

I used factory everything on my front end.

 

Thanks!

 

Where are you guys getting your upper and lower mounts from? I'm pretty sure mine are shot, but I'm looking at a full suspension redo as well.

 

Chris - I got my upper mounts from Welsh (replaced them about a year ago) and the new shocks came with the lower bushing. I got my shocks from my indie due to discounts and rewards points

 

I got my upper mounts here. Very good price, don't know how they do it! 97 1997 Jaguar XK8 Shock Mount - Suspension - Eurospares, Front Upper - PartsGeek

 

Thanks, guys. Is it typically the front upper mounts that fail, or do the rear upper mounts fail just as much?

Steve- glad you didn't wash away this weekend!

 

Thanks Chris - definitely been a crazy weekend throughout the state!