I understand that spec from the center of the hub to the wheel arch on the front end is 15.75". I wore out both tires on the front very quickly with all the wear on the inside edges.

The distance from the center of the hub to the wheel arch was around 14" + inches. I don't remember the exact measurement, but the front end was visibly low. I had the alignment checked and was told I had -1.5 degrees of negative camber.

I replaced the springs, struts and upper strut mounts. I had the alignment re-done and although the camber is not exactly to spec, it is very close. However, the distance from the center of the hub to the wheel arch is 16.875" and is visibly high.

I can live with the camber and don't think tire wear will be a significant problem now. However, as indicated, the front end is visibly high. I see from this thread that the springs for the convertible are different from the springs for the coupe. My XK8 is a convertible. I trusted the mechanic to order the correct springs from the dealer but can't say that he was aware of this distinction or necessarily got the right springs. Could this difference account for the high front end? Any other thoughts?

Thanks

 

My springs were also slightly sprung. I chose to maching a shim on the top of the tower (flat doughnut disk with 2 inch hole in middle for CATS wire and three holes for strut mount. 1/4 thick got me to nearly stock height.


What is important though is that upon removal I noted the bump stops were severely damaged. See photo. The bump stop has an oversized center hole and is friction fit to hang from top of strut tower. Eventually it falls out and gets cockeyed as each bounce erodes the edges. My bump stops had eroded down to 1/2 the original height.


This allows the spring to overcompress beyond what was engineered.


Solution. New bump stop is set into boot with silicone then boot into top mount with silcone as well. Then, take a short piece (inch) of heater hose, cut a slit and snap it around the shock tube. Slide it into the bump stop. The friction of the rubber hose will help to keep from falling and the diameter of hose will keep the bumpstop centered. (in photo I udsed my old stops for demonstration) 5000 miles later, working perfect and never bottom out or hit a parking stop.


If you try the shim method to regain height, be carefull of some aftermaket strut top mounts use shorter bolts. For anyone concerned about the safety of the shim, Just my opinion, but because we have upper control arms (A-arms) the primary forces on the tower are verticle loads.


Good luck.

 

annamiata - I will also send you a pm.

I also installed an aftermarket coil conversion kit. Overall the car handles fine, but the back end is way too high for my taste. So my question for you and/or any other forum member is:

Can one use rear springs from an S-Type and swap them out for the ones that came with the Suncore units? Using the Suncore top mount one could avoid avoid drilling any holes required for a straight S-Type swap of the entire assembly. Looking at the pictures you posted it appears the spring from the S-Type would effectively lower the height. This would be a pretty easy and low cost option for those that don't like the ride height of some of the after market coil conversion kits they have already installed. Just swap springs and use the rest.

Thoughts?

 

If your car is up in mileage. A full redo is best if you intend to keep the car. I did a full redo on my '99/95,000mi and it rides like new. I also did the sway bar bushings and links, ball joints everything. I reused the springs and the car sits at the correct factory height. Bought most of the parts on eBay. There is a great guy I use in AZ for used parts on eBay (shop@soughtout.net) 480-203-8091 Jim. Very fair prices and knows his stuff about Jags.