Re - [modern] Shocks: Convert or not to Convert--that is the Question

Disused Categories Modern
1

Wayne said
<< CLIP >>I rode in a friend’s XJ40 where he had done the conversion to standard
shocks. I felt a difference–to me (am I imagining this??) the ride was not
as good as the hydraulic setup–a bit harsher.

  1. For those that have converted, am I just flat out wrong about this? Your
    feedback please!<>

I have done a conversion on my '88, and right now I have a relatively new
replacement SLS set up on my '90. To me, the SLS ride in the '90 is softer, but
I personally like the standard shocks (Boge) on the '88. I like the handling
much better - it seems it can take corners w/o having the back end “float” out
behind me. I think it’s a noticable difference. I need to keep in mind what
vehicle I’m driving, because the performance is a little different when
maneuvering. I wouldn’t describe the conversion replacement on the '88 as
“harsh” at all - “Tight” is a better word to me. What kind of shocks does your
friend have ? Maybe he did something incorrectly ?

<> 2) What is a good source/price for a conversion kit? Does it come with
instructions? I think I’ll do it myself. <>
I’m sure it’s much less expensive to do it yourself, and I would rate it at
about a 3 out of 5 on the difficulty scale. I got my kit from CW and was very
happy w/ the price & service. Check out Bret’s “Parts Parts” listing if you want
to shop. There were illustrations of the assembly w/ the Kit, and Hayne’s has a
pretty good description of the steps required. Make sure you’re getting the
“long” springs, as the original will leave you w/ a lower ride height.

<> 3) If so, what is the better brand shock to use? (Koni, Boge, or??). I
am
looking for the smoothest ride possible (not handling) > I like the
Boges, but everyone’s got an opinion. Haven’t tried others, but I’ll probably
use Boges on the '90 when they wear out because I like them, and I WILL convert
the SLS on the '90 when they’re usefulness has ended.

<>4) Are the factory (or alternative) hydraulic shocks (still) available?
How
difficult are they to replace? Cost comparison to the conversion
alternative?<> The PO of my '90 refitted w/ SLS shocks not too long
before I purchased it, so I’m sure you can find the replacements. The only time
you’d save would probably be disconnecting the leveling sensor, and
disconnecting the hydraulics. Parts should be less expensive, as you won’t be
adding the springs into the equation.

Hope this info is useful in making your decision.

Best Regards !
John
'88 XJ40
'90 VDP

2

Wayne,

What you ask is an objective answer to a subjective question. What seems harsh to
you could be soft for me. That said, I converted last year and wish to state, that
I wished I had done it when I bought the car.

The problem with the conversion (or so I have been told) is the springs. I
understand there are some people who tried to use the same springs or got a kit with
not so hot springs (no names). I made sure that I got the best set of springs I
could to go with better than OEM shocks (I had previous converted the front shocks
to Bilstien Gas Shocks.

I have a much better ride, the rear end doesn’t bottom out and the handling is much
better. My step son rode in the kitty for the first time in several months and
commented on how much better it rode and handled.

As far as your experience, one would have to know where the conversion kit was
purchased, what kind of shocks came with it and if it had new springs.

So, ask more questions and draw your own conclusions as to what is soft or hard in
Jaguar ride.

PS I keep my tires at 34/36 psig but Jag says you can run much lower than that.
Could be he had high tire pressure too?

Jay 90 Majestic

scalonge.jf@pg.com wrote:> Wayne said

<< CLIP >>I rode in a friend’s XJ40 where he had done the conversion to standard
shocks. I felt a difference–to me (am I imagining this??) the ride was not
as good as the hydraulic setup–a bit harsher.

  1. For those that have converted, am I just flat out wrong about this? Your
    feedback please!<>

I have done a conversion on my '88, and right now I have a relatively new
replacement SLS set up on my '90. To me, the SLS ride in the '90 is softer, but
I personally like the standard shocks (Boge) on the '88. I like the handling
much better - it seems it can take corners w/o having the back end “float” out
behind me. I think it’s a noticable difference. I need to keep in mind what
vehicle I’m driving, because the performance is a little different when
maneuvering. I wouldn’t describe the conversion replacement on the '88 as
“harsh” at all - “Tight” is a better word to me. What kind of shocks does your
friend have ? Maybe he did something incorrectly ?

<> 2) What is a good source/price for a conversion kit? Does it come with
instructions? I think I’ll do it myself. <>
I’m sure it’s much less expensive to do it yourself, and I would rate it at
about a 3 out of 5 on the difficulty scale. I got my kit from CW and was very
happy w/ the price & service. Check out Bret’s “Parts Parts” listing if you want
to shop. There were illustrations of the assembly w/ the Kit, and Hayne’s has a
pretty good description of the steps required. Make sure you’re getting the
“long” springs, as the original will leave you w/ a lower ride height.

<> 3) If so, what is the better brand shock to use? (Koni, Boge, or??). I
am
looking for the smoothest ride possible (not handling) > I like the
Boges, but everyone’s got an opinion. Haven’t tried others, but I’ll probably
use Boges on the '90 when they wear out because I like them, and I WILL convert
the SLS on the '90 when they’re usefulness has ended.

<>4) Are the factory (or alternative) hydraulic shocks (still) available?
How
difficult are they to replace? Cost comparison to the conversion
alternative?<> The PO of my '90 refitted w/ SLS shocks not too long
before I purchased it, so I’m sure you can find the replacements. The only time
you’d save would probably be disconnecting the leveling sensor, and
disconnecting the hydraulics. Parts should be less expensive, as you won’t be
adding the springs into the equation.

Hope this info is useful in making your decision.

Best Regards !
John
'88 XJ40
'90 VDP