Greetings:
Could someone tell me if there is a difference between the 2004 XJ8 rear lower / upper control arms and those on my 2004 VDP? I need to have the bushings replaced on my lower control arms, and for some reason, the order form states that the bushings are not compatible with the VDP, but will work on the XJ8. I don't want to order something that won't fit once my mechanic removes the control arms and has the old / worn bushings pressed out. My car squeaks like a bed with rusty springs and I believe that the problem lies with lower control arm bushings that are shot. Any help on the compatibility issue would be greatly appreciated.

 

If both your cars are the X350 model series built of aluminium, the suspension arms will be identical. Can you give the link to the part you're buying, (assuming you're buying on the internet)

 

Funny I should read this now. I have a 2004 vdp and purchased a bushing kit online, but decided to take it to my local mechanic to have changed out. I just assumed a vdp was the same as the xj8. I was wrong. After 2 days of heating/cooling/penetrating oil, they got the suspension arm bolts out of the car to find out the bushings I supplied were incorrect. I contacted the company, and they had no solution for me. I'm looking now to find out what else is different between these cars - I thought the VDP's were just a trim change for the same chassis.

 

04 production of the X350, was broken down in basically 2 variants. XJ8 & VDP and then XJR. Serials from G00001-G34526 are all X350 and share the same control arms, with the air module on the XJR using a smaller air chamber and is called a "sport" module. The electronic parts guide denotes differences between N/A and Supercharged in many areas, but never singles out VDP, as in 04, it was trim package. At G26871 they changed the sensors for ride height from all 4 wheels to only one up front. I'm not aware of any VDP in X350 having supercharger. In 05, VDP trim was utilized in the new X355 long chassis, and the supercharged variant of the VDP was called the Super 8. In 06, the lineup remained the same, and the X356 took on electronics upgrades.