Hello all! Looking for a little information.

I have a 2004 XKR Convertable Portfolio edition that is in need of new shocks front and rear. The R model shocks have a pretty steep price tag and was wondering if shocks for the XK8 can be used? I am guessing not but hoping so, any info or input is appreciated.

 

It is my understanding the shocks are diff from XKR and XK8.

 

The XKR shocks are interactive and provide a firmer ride in sport mode. If you are happy with the handling in normal mode, you can use XK8 shocks and unplug the module in the trunk to avoid getting a error message.

But what causes you to conclude you need new shocks all around? That's unusual unlees you have really bad roads in your area.

 

I agree it is unusual. I bought the car about a year ago with 50,800 miles the owner told me the rear shocks were bad, so I knew that going into it, and it is obvious by the sound and feel the rear is bad. In regards to the front, it sounds like the tire rubs the wheel well when hitting bad bumps, so I am assuming the fronts are bad as well. Also, the roads where I drive aren't the best, but, I don't drive the car much.

Any recommendations as to where a good place to buy XK8 shocks from? Anything else that I should replace while replacing the shocks?

Thanks for the reply.

 

You absolutely want to replace the upper shock mounts and spring pads. They are a foam type material that degrades with use and time. New Bilsteins are available from many online suppliers including sng barratt and Welsh enterprises. Check the vendor directory at the top of the forum page. Lower shock mounts are already pressed in.

 

Thanks for the info.

I do a lot of work on cars as a hobby, about to finish a restoration of a 1970 Mercury Cougar XR7 with my son. I have to admit, this Jag has me a little intimidated. ....

 

If he is hitting inner wheel well up front pershaps his springs are shot??? How old is the car? low miles on these do not mean IN GOOD SHAPE parts all the time.

 

Not saying that is what it is doing, but, it sure sounds like it. Wouldn't surprise me if the springs needed replacement. Funny thing is, outside of the suspension, the car is mint, awesome power, shifts like silk, no leaks of any sort, a truly beautiful car.

 

Oh, and it is a 2004.

 

These are heavy cars and the suspension takes a lot of abuse. The soft bushings and mounts are what we like about Jaguars but certainly don't help longevity.

I just replaced everything but the springs on my 2006 XKR (including the CATS dampers), the springs were swapped out 80K miles ago for lowering purposes and are still in great shape. I lived in an area with terrible roads but now all is restored and the ride is better than new.

 

dartech- replace the upper control arm bushings while you're in there. But I would hold off on spring replacement. The new upper shock mounts and pads will increase the ride height. Check the ride height now, it should be about 15.5" lip of fender to center of wheel, if I remember correctly.

I just found the numbers again. Front 15.74, rear 15.94. It's not unusual to see the front at 14.5 with old shock mounts.

 

I had the same sound on my '99 XK8 from the left front, and this was AFTER putting on a new set of OEM Bilsteins. Instead of a weak spring, it turned out to be the top of the fender liner sagging down - on bumps, the tire would rub against it. Replaced the liner & no more noise.

BTW, the black Bilsteins are a great choice for reducing ride harshness on the XK8 - combined w. my 17" revolvers & Continental ExtremeContact DWS's, it rides (& handles) like a true GT.

 

Thanks to all for all the great info. Going to order parts this weekend, shocks (front & rear), upper control arm bushing, shock & spring pad, am i missing anything? A few have mentioned things to replace on the front, anything extra for the rear?

 

There is a rear spring isolator and two shock isolators, all rubber parts.

Anyone have more?

 

OK, trying to order all of these parts, but, I am having a hard time with finding somewhere online that has the standard rear shocks in stock. Can someone point me in a direction who to check with?

 

Have you tried shockwarehouse.com? Never purchased from there myself and I can't tell their current inventory from their site but the price is right.