after researching the options, i decided to go the route of using s-type suspension components to replace all the air shocks on my 2004 xjr-

While I was at it, i replaced the sway bar links, and all bushings i could find a replacement of.

I got H&R springs from tirerack.com. These are s-type lowering springs. I got bilstein shocks from auto anything since tire rack was out of them. These are for an s-type with sport suspension. No CATS..

All in all it wasn't a bad install. The toughest part was finding the bottom spring seats. I ended up buying old use whole s-type shocks/struts off ebay just to get them. Since the bolt pattern does not match up for the top of the strut i had to "adjust" the holes a little to get them to fit.

The car is a whole lot lower. I'm happy with it and the new improved handling.

 

Looks good don't forget to get fully re aligned though and it won't be from jag as they will no doubt (as in my case) be unable to get the alignment tools under the arches !

 

thanks!

That was the first thing on my list to be done along with new tires

Local jag dealer tried but couldn't because it was too low to go up the ramp. I had to get a tire chain shop to do it.

 

Wow.. looks perfect not too low. I personally don't like fender well gaps.

 

Do you have a list of all the parts that need to be changed to fit the S-Type coilovers?

 

Thanks! no more gaps here

sure,

from auto anything
Bilstein Touring Class Shocks Front
SKU 3764865
Part # 24-067430
Vehicle 2005 Jaguar S-Type
Submodel 4.2L V8, non-supercharged, with sport suspension, without CATS
2 $125.99 Ships between 07/09/2013 - 07/11/2013
FEDEX Home Delivery $251.98
Bilstein Touring Class Shocks Rear

SKU 3764991
Part # 24-067720
Vehicle 2005 Jaguar S-Type
Submodel 4.2L V8, non-supercharged, with sport suspension, without CATS
2 $107.99 Ships between 07/09/2013 - 07/11/2013
FEDEX Home Delivery $215.98

from tire rack
H&R Sport Spring Set (Premium, Performance Street)
H&R Sport Spring Set
Front and Rear Fitment
Ride Height: Moderate Lowering
Note: Avg low 1.3"F 1.2"R
Performance aftermarket shocks or struts is highly recommende d in this application. Price: $310.00 (kit)
Estimated Availability: Fewer than 3, Special Order Available
Manufacturer Part #: 29436

from rock auto
MONROE 904972 Strut Mount $ 29.79 $ 0.00 4 $ 119.16


I got all my bushings from rock auto as well and the strut mounts were a little cheaper. It wouldn't make much sense to make an order from rock auto just for the strut mounts since tire rack has them also

As i mentioned before, I could not find a source for the lower spring seat. I bought old used s-type spring/struts off ebay just to get the bottome spring seat. If you go this route, it would be possible to use the bottom sprint seat and the top strut mount from the "donor" parts.

I got a local tire/suspension shop to pull the old struts apart and re-assemble with the new parts since it was a lot faster than me using my spring compressor to put the struts together.

I used an air die grinder to adjust the bolt holes

 

How's the ride quality? Does it handle as good as the factory sport suspension?

 

Looks nice!

 

Hi Blaksplash.

It looks good and menacing indeed. Are you considering fitting bigger alloy rims too? The original set looks a little small for the new lowered look.

Well done

 

Kool mod! Hey, could this be done with other springs that are like one inch taller if one wants it a bit taller?

This appears to be a straightforward modification and once you got the alignment does it feel like a "Jag"?

 

Unfortunately, I can't compare it to the stock suspension easily. When I bought the car, a bushing (or two) was bad so it never handled right. It handles way better than before. I can only compare it to my wife's '10 XF (non-s/c) and my '03 STR. It handles better than the XF but not as well as the STR... STR is smaller + staggered tires + R suspension. I will note, being this low, I do have to pay attention to what i'm riding over since it has a lot lower ground clearance.

Thanks!

I'd love to eventually. Especially a staggered set for some more handling improvement. Also it could help with the ground clearance


It sure could. I got the idea from reading this thread where SexyBeast swapped in stock s-type struts. So, stock s-type springs would work as well which should put it a little over an inch higher than mine.