what are the issues in the 2004 changeover

 

This is a topic that's had tons of posts so I'm surprised no one has jumped in with their 2 cents. I guess I'll take the plunge as I converted my 2004 XJ8 close to two years ago.

I'll assume that you're dealing with failing air shocks and have gasped for air when you started getting prices to replace them or any of the sup[porting bits and pieces so I won't bother with any of that.

I replaced my system with a set of Strutmasters coil overs for about $1000+/-.

The new set also includes the plugin module to disable the air suspension trouble light which wasn't available when I did it. My 2004 was a very early build so I was able to just unplug one of the control modules behind the rear seat backrest to achieve the same thing. Yours may need that module.

The actual physical replacement is just grunt work and if you have a good jack and perhaps some jack stands and a compressor and air gun you could do it yourself in an afternoon. Arnott has a video on their site that pretty much takes you through it.

You could get a local reputable garage to do it as well but make sure they know ahead of time that the lugs nuts need a 19mm socket and not an SAE close enough socket or they'll distort the lug nut beauty covers and cause all sorts of trouble. (don't ask me why I know this....just take my word for it.) That's really all there is to it as everything else can be left in the car.

You could of course remove the onbo0ard air compressor and the trunk mounted reservoir and other bits and put them on eBay or the forum's for sale section and recoup some of your costs AND lighten your car but that's not necessary.

The ride will be somewhat harder on rough bumpy surfaces but on most roads I doubt you'll notice a difference. Initial steering inputs seem to be a tad more authoritative to me but your mileage may differ. At high speeds 75+ the car is as sure footed and confident as it ever was and even my wife, who drives this particular car a lot more than I do (I have an XK8) finds it difficult to stay below 80 on the 4 lanes she uses and she's no lead foot.

There are purists who will say you're ruining the car but the reality is that these Jags, while certainly great cars, will almost never become true collector cars unless the world becomes some version of a Mad Max scenario so save yourself a bunch of headaches and make the change or live with the almost certain future of buying new air shocks and other pieces every other year or so as the bits age.

 

I had my 2005 XJR's sport set replaced with an Arnott's coil spring set. I had no issues with the warning light. I found that the car had no vertical ride comfort issues but quite a bit more body roll with the coil spring set. I managed to resolve that with a set of aftermarket upgraded anti-roll bars from Korea. No regrets at all with the change.

 

If you keep a sharp eye out, you can replace your shocks, with new Arnotts air shocks, for not a lot more than converting, and the plush ride is very nice.Two fronts were $830 delivered to my door. My rears seem to be alright at this point, believe they are about the same price as the fronts.Rears are supposed to last a lot longer than the fronts from what i've read.$1660, verses about $1200 from some of what i've read to swap.If your rears are OK, like mine seem to be, 2 fronts would be less cash, & you keep the stock set up..

 

'04 XJ8 - Just completed mine. I used the Strutmaster set w/ module for $999.00 USD (total shipped to Vegas 1060.00)

My shop did the whole job in under 3hrs for about $400.00. Very little difference in ride or control, I'm a happy kid, and I will never worry about the stupid bags failing.

My .02

-D