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Jaguar XJ Series: Which Years are the Best?

29 messages,  Last post on Jul 04, 2011 at 12:21 PM

You are in the Jaguar XJ-Series Forum.

What is this discussion about? Jaguar XJ-Series, Jaguar XJR, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 3

#20 of 29 Re: 2001 XJ Owners Manual [flonightpilot] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Nov 27, 2009 (6:13 pm)

Replying to: flonightpilot (Nov 27, 2009 4:49 pm)
The one on dBay even has the radio manual, and a nice pouch, too.

#21 of 29 2001 XJR Replacement shocks by 1fastcat

Jan 13, 2010 (3:14 pm)

My 2001 XJR needs new shocks up front, and will probably need rears soon as well. I've checked the market for different options, and was wondering if anyone has any experience with Koni, Bilstein, or KYB as opposed to the OES in terms of responsiveness, firmness, and overall ride quality? I live in NY, and the roads are full of seams, steel plates, and potholes so big Evil Kneivel was seen trying to jump one in a rocket bike.....so the shocks need to be durable.

#22 of 29 Fuse box diagram '98-'03 XJR by 1fastcat

Jan 13, 2010 (3:25 pm)

Does anyone know where I can get a fuse box diagram for the rear box (in trunk) for a 2001 XJR?

#23 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [1fastcat] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 13, 2010 (9:18 pm)

Replying to: 1fastcat (Jan 13, 2010 3:14 pm)
Bilsteins are the best IMO and probably in most people's opinions. You get what you pay for. I'd rate them Bilstein first, then Koni, then KYB.
 
The OEM shocks are probably a very good compromise but automakers don't always spend top dollar on these things. Can you determine the maker of the original shock?
 
If durability is a main factor, it's hard to beat the Bils.

#24 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [Mr_Shiftright] by 1fastcat

Jan 14, 2010 (7:49 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 13, 2010 9:18 pm)
Thanks. I think the original equipment is manufactured by Bilstein, so going with the sport option up front and heavy duty in the rear makes makes sense. Any idea how tough the job is? I've changed shock's my my trucks before, and its always been a simple bolt off/bolt on and torque properly routine, but never the Jag. Is it something that can be done reasonably easily, or do I take it to a shop?

#25 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [1fastcat] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 14, 2010 (9:45 am)

Replying to: 1fastcat (Jan 14, 2010 7:49 am)
I've never done it either but I can look up the labor rates for you, based on the skill of a trained mechanic....let's see here (flip, flip.....hmmmmm......)
 
Okay, it's 2.3 hours for both front shocks, which look conventional, and 3.0 for both rears, which look to be co-axial (damper inside spring), and that definitely requires require special tools--spring compressor and something called "restraining straps" whatever the hell they are. They look like cables you secure to the coiled spring.
 
My guess is that you should be able to do the fronts but I wouldn't tackle the rears without a workshop manual.
 
Shocks retail are pricey at $239 a pop.
 
On the bright side, you can get down on your knees and be thankful the self-leveling shock option was not available in the US.

#26 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [Mr_Shiftright] by 1fastcat

Jan 14, 2010 (10:22 am)

Replying to: Mr_Shiftright (Jan 14, 2010 9:45 am)
Thanks so much. I can get a pair of Koni's up front for about $280, and the Bilstein "sports" for about $310. However, I understand that the "sports" have a shorter piston, and are generally intended for cars with lowering springs and may not fit right. Bilstein Heavy Duty, which is what Bilstein lists as the right shock in their applications guide is a little less expensive at about $200 for the pair. I understand from Bilstein that the HD shock is an upgrade from OEM, and the shock in the US called Heavy Duty is what they list in Germany as "sport". Its all very confusing.

#27 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [1fastcat] by Mr_Shiftright HOST

Jan 14, 2010 (1:19 pm)

Replying to: 1fastcat (Jan 14, 2010 10:22 am)
I dunno....I'd guess that any upgrade from OEM would be logically heavy duty.

#28 of 29 which year is best ? by adobian1

Jul 03, 2011 (12:13 pm)

The XJ6 1995-1997 is best.

#29 of 29 Re: 2001 XJR Replacement shocks [1fastcat] by jageric

Jul 04, 2011 (12:21 pm)

Replying to: 1fastcat (Jan 14, 2010 7:49 am)
Should have OEM Bilsteins all around. The fronts are simple. The rears, not so much. If you look, they should be inside of the springs, one on each side (independent rear suspension). The last time I did mine (several years ago), Bilsteins were the only option. Got them from Coventry West at a decent price.

Messages Page 3 of 3

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