I am planning to do a front suspension service on my '03 XK8 and I have an idea for an up-grade at the same time. Does anyone know if the OEM bilstien shocks on the xk8 are gas charged? Also, are they a "mono-tube " design? Last but not least, does anyone know how thick the outer tube material is?
I am considering cutting a new groove for the spring support and I don't want to cut too deep and cause a rupture on a high pressure gas shock.
Any info. or answers are greatly appreciated!

 

I'm sure someone who's doing a suspension upgrade themselves ...as there are several that I know of (including new shocks), they would be happy to send you an old one. Keep an eye out for threads and talk to a member via PM about it. Good luck!

 

The quote is from the Bilstein website and the part number matches the front shocks I have sitting in my garage for installation. Haven't taken off the old shocks yet, but these are sold as the OEM replacements.

"Bilstein B4 OE Replacement Series gas pressure shocks and struts are specifically engineered to be the best choice for maintaining the original ride quality of your vehicle, while meeting or exceeding OE standards. 46mm Monotube Shock Absorber"

If you could use them for testing, you are welcome to my old pair for the cost of shipping once I have replaced them.

 

Thanks guys!... and THANK YOU Jag #4! I will take you up on your offer for your old shocks when you have them off. Take your time, I'm not in a rush, I have put in a call to Bilstien and am playing phone tag w/ one of their tech reps. to get some design info. before I do any mods. I will be happy to pay for any shipping charges, let me know and I'll forward payment and shipping info. I'm not trying to totally redesign them as I feel they work quite well as they are, I just want to add to their performance. I'll keep the forum informed and I'll do a full report once I'm certain of success of the project.
Again, THANKS TO ALL!!

 

Sent you a PM. Check your messages.