A few weeks ago, there was some discussion about the rear-end of some Jaguars
appearing low. Mine looks like this. It is a 1988 Jaguar XJ6 with 202,000 miles
on it. I first was asked by a mechanic at East-Holman Jaguar in Jackson,
Mississippi if I had a bunch of stuff in my trunk (the trunk was empty at the
time), and then the discussion on the list. So, I think my SLS -> Conventional
shock conversion must have been a cheap-O job. What would you suggest if I want
to get the rear of my cat at its proper height? New shocks, new springs,
something else? I’m really a novice on suspensions, so any advice regarding
parts and recommended brands, etc. would be super appreciated! Thanks!
Sincerely,
Robert H. Traphan
1988 Jaguar XJ6, 202K------------------ http://www.theLink.net/
(334) 220-5465
(334) 244-5076 [Fax]
Robert, the cheap conversion kits(KYB for example) use the original sls
springs which are 1 coil shorter than standard springs, hence the low rear
end. I’d order a set of non sls rear springs and change them out, since you
already have everything else you need for the conversion. The new springs
should come with spacers to mount them. If not you should already have
spacers with the old sls springs.
Jim Moore(88 XJ40)
Robert,
Not only does the car look silly, but it handles
poorly that way.
I think you just need the correct springs.
Greg at Coventry west can likely tell you.
I would not hesitate to buy used springs of the correct type.
My car has the original springs and they are still fine at
12 years and 133,000 miles…
Springs off a base model (XJ6) from 1990 and up will work.
Brett
1990 XJ6>
A few weeks ago, there was some discussion about the rear-end
of some Jaguars
appearing low. Mine looks like this. It is a 1988 Jaguar XJ6
with 202,000 miles
on it. I first was asked by a mechanic at East-Holman
Jaguar in Jackson,
Mississippi if I had a bunch of stuff in my trunk (the trunk
was empty at the
time), and then the discussion on the list. So, I think my
SLS → Conventional
shock conversion must have been a cheap-O job. What would
you suggest if I want
to get the rear of my cat at its proper height? New shocks,
new springs,
something else? I’m really a novice on suspensions, so any
advice regarding
parts and recommended brands, etc. would be super
appreciated! Thanks!
Robert, the KYB shocks ride stiffer than Boge or Bilstien. The only problem
you will have changing over to other shocks is that the KYB’s are fatter than
Boge or Bilstien and the lower spring pan wont fit. You will have to get new
lower spring pans to fit the slimmer shocks. Or a cheaper way, but not quite
as professonal, is to buy an exhaust pipe reducer(1 7/8 x 1 3/4 I think). the
narrow end will fit tight on the Boge and lock on the snap ring and the
flaired end will support the spring pan from the KYB’s. Better to bye the new
pan though, but the reducer does work fine.
Jim Moore(88 XJ40)
Does that mean you prefer the KYB, or are Boge and Bilstien a better shock?
Greg Wells @ Coventry West is recommending the Boge. He said that a lot of
KYB’s came back.
Sincerely,
Robert H. Traphan------------------
(334) 220-5465
(334) 244-5076 [Fax]
“E.Claure” wrote:
Robert and Jim, KYB stiffer than Boge or Bilstien is a gross
understatement. They are as stiff as horse cart. Enrique