There have been many topics on this forum that dealt with the
set-up of the front suspension and steering geometry for the XK
140 and 150.
Jaguar described a ‘‘Distance Gauge’’ with 2 dimensions for (1)
setting-up the initial torsion bar positions in the ‘‘Reaction
Levers’’ and for (2) setting-up camber and caster as part of a
‘‘alternative method’’ if a car cannot be fully loaded (yet).
Jaguar did define a Distance Gauge for the XK 120 and Mk VII,
but not for the XK 140 and 150.
As the top shock absorber mounting of the XK 140/150 is
different, the Distance Gauge of the XK120 is not 100% correct
for these successor models. If we compensate the difference of
this mounting positon, we end up with the following new
dimensions, whereby the drawing of the Distance Gauge for the
Mk VII should be taken as a basis (having the same types of
shockers):
The longer distance for torsion bar set-up: 14�� or 375 mm
The shorter distance for camber/caster set-up: 12� � or 318 mm.
If you want to know more about how I arrived at these new
dimensions, see this link: http://www.bobine.nl/jaguar/07-
front-suspension/distance-gauge-suspension-xk-140-150/
Any comment/correction is also very welcome.
Regards,
Bob K.–
Bob K. Jaguar XK 140 SE FHC S814683 DN
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from Bob K. sent Mon 26 Jan 2015:
Out of curiosity, I visited you web site, and was delighted
by your detailed article on Lucas wing mirrors. Thank you
for taking the time and trouble to collect and present this
information.
Karl–
The original message included these comments:
Thanks for working this out . Just wondered if other have tried these dimensions ? It will be very useful to set things up as best I can on a bare chassis .I guess it is correct to lock up the rubber bushes using the longer dimension ?
Thanks Jim
Still in a dilemma about this . What would be the dimension for locking up the wishbone bushes ? 375 is putting the suspension at almost full stretch and 318 is almost the opposite with only about 3 or 4 mm off the bump stop. Neither are " normal ride height " and at 318 seems extreme for camber and castor setting. I recon I have a distance of about 306 before I am on the bump stop.
Cannot help you in detail but I’ve clearly indicated that the dimensions given in my story are meant as an initial set-up. When your car has been completely finished (meaning all weight at the right location) then you’ll have to repeat the measurements regarding “ground clearance”. It will depend on many other “variables” like which model, what engine and with or without overdrive, battery location, etc. In first instance you can correct the clearance via the adjustment bolts but I remember that I even had to reposition the torsion bar one spline (for my car at the LH side but mine is a LHD and also the driver is sitting there most of the time alone… .
I think it will be impossible to determine these dimensions (including the deformation of the various bushes) on forehand. Hope this helps.
Thanks Bob for the tips . I think I will go with leaving all the old shims where they where , locking up the bushes at what I think is medium and use the 375 to fit the torsion bars.
Jim