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I probably should know this but do these cars have the same problems with deteriorating shock mounts on the back as they do on the front?
I have dealt with the front and found a suitable mount but I hear something in the left rear now.
Thanks and sorry if this issue has been overly discussed already
As RJ implies, at the rear it is also likely to be the suspension/shock absorber bushes that are worn rather than the isolators which are better protected than those at the front. A quick inspection should determine if the bushes need replacing. If they do, you can decide how far to go.
The upper damper bushes AND spring isolators should all be done at the same time.
Hard enough to get the rear springs/dampers out and in. Don't need to do it TWICE.
One of my XKRs had the rear dampers and upper bushes replaced by a previous owner but they refitted the old spring isolators.
Now I have to do the job all over again.
I did this a little while ago and used a lower bushing from DP on Ebay and it was about $70 for both.
All of the top bushings were gone except the big donut had a little life but not worth using.
For the Poly ones the whole kit from member baxtor great product and a full set of upper and big donut, which doesn't come with the shock, only the top bushings are with the shock.
Here is the site and they are sold as a pair for $48, I was getting a lot of stuff at the time and missed the amount a bit in the first post,
Jim, I came back and corrected a senior moment and gave the site.
The fit was good but everyone should know, be careful when installing the rear and front when putting the shock into it's designated spot. It's close and very easy to knock the outer spring clip off the rubber boot, a little more difficult to replace in that position. Get things in place at the top and then install the lower part into position between the two plates, before tightening up. Not that I ever did that. LOL
Hey Wayne I know you just completed this job as I did a few months ago. I really didn't find this job that difficult because I used two tried and true methods that do work and make this job a lot easier.
First, Just follow Bobs (Motorcarman), way of removing the 4 bolts on the steel plate that's bolted to rear suspension and pry it down to release and re-install the rear shocks. Brilliant, they drop out lol
Second, was something I saw on Rothwells thread a while back and it made the job a lot less frustrating and it worked very well.
Put it all together and zip tie it. I liked doing it this way because I could position and tweek the components as I wanted to and then know for sure that everything stayed that way. When you're wrestling these in on your back and have limited visibility you'll appreciate this tip!
As always, a big thank you to all those who have shared their knowledge and experiences to help fellow members.
If you are reading this and want to be informed about doing this job, I have the tip of the day after shoreguy, the wires that run along the inside frame on both sides will get pinched by the top cups if you don't pry the clip that holes them off the frame area and just let them hang. They will go under the bell-shaped thing when installing and clip right back in place, when all that would cause them harm is finished.
Good point Wayne that can easily happen because of the limited visibility and the wires close proximity to the edge of where the big cups mount. I must have read that too because I knew to look for those wires upon re-installation and I'm glad I did!
IGNORANT NEWBIE to XJ8 " I haven't looked at my car as yet.
I just purchased 4 new Bilsteins for my 2001 XK8 and I am getting upper shock mounts for both front and rear. Based on the recent posts above, it seems that I have to purchase the lower shock bushings for my new rear shocks.(https://www.ebay.com/itm/15595982597...4dd3d1d6ee4c87) Doesn't the new shocks come with the lower bushings? What about the front shocks? Do they carry lower bushings also? Pardon my lack of knowledge. I know some members may say why don't I look for myself but...........
SO I should get the spring isolators also. Who sells them and do you know the part number? Just want to have all the pieces before I start the job. Are there spring isolators for the front as well?
What I have purchased so far>
4 Bilstein Shocks.
TO PURCHASE:
2 front upper mounts
2 rear upper mounts
2 Bump stops
Spring Isolators
Anything missing?
Sanchez, just to be clear, what Motorcarman is giving you is the spring insulator for the rear shock assembly, not the top ones as they come with the shock. I think you got the full set of rears from baxtor, so no additional parts are needed on your part for the rear and what you are getting from me will cover everything you need for the top of the front shocks. Just take yours off and set mine on there with the bump stop assembly attached.
Sorry I didn't get back sooner; bad storm came by and lost internet for about 4 hours.
XK8 rear shock mounts
