Hi jaglovers! I have completed my xj6 dismantle of the rear end carrier. I have been looking on the internet for new uprated coil springs and rear shocks. Can any persons give information on going about this task…what are the advantages of buying a kit like Harry’s garage had installed on his car. I see the KYB’s are pretty inexpensive. I have these shocks on my spitfire and they are quite good for the price! so any help in pointing me in the right direction would be helpful…And also I was wondering, it seems like all the parts for the rear form 1972 to 1987 is this true?
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It’s true, Sawyer - but Jguar may have used different manufacturers through the years…?
Price offer little guarantee for performance and longevity - and ‘firm’ shocks may give a stumpy ride. KYBs are OK, but it’s only driving experience that tells if you have made the right choice - reputable manufacturers usually give full satisfaction…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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It’s true, Sawyer - though Jaguar may have used various manufacturers of shocks and springs over the years…?
a couple of things…
1st, find out from a specialist if Jag Rear shocks match anything else, (which they do for the front, including many popular 4wds, giving many quality adjustable options for HALF the price of “Jag” ones!)…of course I found this out AFTER I had done mine
2nd, and my personal opinion only (but some others as well) changing rear springs is a waste of money and can lead to problems. The Jag ones are good, there is 4, and they dont tend to sag much. New ones can be too stiff & tall
On out '72 I have KYB’s on the front and Boge shocks on the rear. More than happy with the ride and handling for our type of driving. Paul
Frank, ill keep that in mind. cheers
Tony thanks for that info. that’s why I came her to get feedback like this, to learn the ins and outs…cheers I will keep my old springs.
Paul. everyone I know who have used KYB are well happy they purchased . will check into boge shocks for the rear cheers mate
dont immediately throw the old brake discs, they make excellent and safe way to compress rear springs, which otherwise need a special tool
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Tony…you are a diamond! that’s a great device I guess every old jaguar part has a purpose. I will be doing that one… and I just was going to scrap my old rotors. they will come in real use now. cheers for that!
i recently ordered king springs and bilsteins for my 71 xj6. king springs come in stock or -30mm, so you can lower it approximately 1 inch.
took a little bit to get the springs from Australia and of course shipping was expensive.
surely not the cheapest solution. have yet to do the install. i am currently in the midst of the front subframe rebuild.
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Agreed, Tony - springs should only be considered for change if the ride height is too low. …
Which of course he should have checked before lowering the rear cage - checking is part of an antidote to the shipwrights decease…)
However, changing springs and shocks are fairly straight forward with the cage in the car…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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naturally I took it for granted the OP measured and recorded the mid-hub to wheel lip height, then compared that to factory spec, or against other owners measurements, that way he will know for sure that he does/not have an issue, or a different heght on reassembly
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Factory specs are measured from the ground to the tie plate, Tony - the are not spec’ed using body parts…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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interesting point, and correct on the factory spec, however, I am fairly sure that the mid-hub to wheel arch measurement would give better guidance on spring sag.
after just looking at the IRS diagram, I am not sure that the deflection of the tie-plate would be the same amount, due to geometry
hub to arch is the standard for 4wd lift calcs,
Have King springs and Gaz shock absorbers on my 76 XJC. Absolutely superb ride quality and handling. Like a magic carpet!
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Still, Tony - Jaguar does not give the ‘hub-to-arch’ specs…
Using self imposed specs will still require consolidation by the factory specs - which are precise enough. And does not require a guarantee that the arches do not differ.
Adding, of course, that the described pre-measuring procedure is to be followed in either case…
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Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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Sorry to ask such a basic question - but what is the factory ground to rear suspension tie plate spec for the series 1 XJ6?
Frankie
is that spec with spare in boot or not? speaking of the spare wheel compartment why didn’t jaguar put an access panel to change e-Brake pads and do other services???
S1 FSM does not appear to give a spec (that I could see)
S2 FSM states 7.45" ± 0.25"
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As Tony says, Frankie - 7.45" +/- 0.25 - or 189 mm +/- 6,4 mm in metric, if you prefer that…
Measured with full tank and spare wheel (ballast if required) - tyres properly inflated. The cars should be rolled three car lengths to stabilise rear suspension - on a flat surface. Suspension ‘tuck-in’ will lift the rear…
Having verified height by spec procedure, you may of course measure, and note down, rom the wheel arches - for ‘easier’ back-up checks in the future…
Frank
xj6 85 Sov Europe (UK/NZ)
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