I'm really happy with my gray 2004 XJR that I purchased from someone just across town from me (St. Louis area, Kirkwood). It is a low mileage example (43K) and has been well taken care of and never abused (just washed it this weekend - hope to get it waxed and take some pics). However, the previous owner replaced the passenger-side front air suspension with an Arnott unit recently (I'm assuming a sport suspension). After doing a little searching, it seems the passenger side usually goes first (am I imagining this?). I am wondering how long I have before the driver's side goes out. I really don't want to be stranded, so I'm tempted to just buy the driver side front unit so I have it ready. Can someone tell me how common this is?

For those from the St. Louis area, where is a good place to take this thing for service? As part of the safety inspection, I had to get all new brakes and I used Dobbs for that (not cheap - $1100). They have done good work for me in the past and they knew exactly how to go after these Brembo's. I'm tempted to use local shops for the easy stuff but it would be nice to know where the local independent specialists are.

 

So, i own a 04 xj8. Bought mine with 71k on it. Soon after buying, my front passenger air strut blew. I, myself, replaced it with a arnott unit. About a year later, i blew another, driver side rear. After having it towed about four hundred miles, i let it sit for six months trying to figure out my next plan. I ended up converting to coil overs. Now, what i want to say, if you are mechanically inclined, and have access to good tools, the repair its very easy to do yourself, front or rear. Pneumatic tools are very beneficial for this job. Now, just to say, i converted because of all the damage i caused driving it about 60 miles with a busted strut. I ruined my compressor, two leveling sensors, and some ball joints. The repair bill was extensive. My point though, it is easy to work on this suspension yourself, if you can. Sorry i dont have any info on hood repair shops, just giving some insight. If you have any questions for me, just ask. Good luck.

 

Thanks USMC. I think I will convert to the coil overs just for peace of mind. I will want to find someone that can do that. If it is easy would you trust it to a decently run small shop? Also, does this have any affect on Sport mode?

 

Sport mode is only a transmission setting. Converting to coil overs will not change that, although i'm NOT sure an XJR coil over conversion is ideal.

There is only one "one size fits all" coil over conversion, and from what I hear its not as stiff / sporty as a stock XJ8 suspension, much less for the XJR.

The arnott units do have a lifetime warranty, so it's a buy once type deal. And their customer service is pretty decent, there is a guy on the forums "arnottdoug" who has helped me in the past.

Honestly, Even if you have to do all 4 bags, its $1600 (with arnott units). Yours already has one done, so less. And it's much less labor intensive than swapping for a coil over suspension, that isn't really designed for an R.

If it were my car, I'd just do the arnott units as needed. The fronts are MUCH more prone to failure imho, because of the weight over the front suspension, the lateral cornerning loads, and the weight transfer upon braking. Honestly, I'd keep the car on the air struts.

Take care.

George

 

Good point George, thanks. I definitely don't want to go the coil over route if they don't have them specific to the XJR. And if they are guaranteed, that's a good thing.

 

One more thing to note. Read the Marine's reason for converting.

DO NOT under any circumstances drive an x350 with a failed airbag any further than required to get yourself out of harms way..

You will destroy the compressor, and pretty much all the bushings and joints in the suspension.

Take care,

George

 

Yup, learned a hard lesson. Im sure there will be a bigger difference between a conversion on my xj8 and your xjr. On mine, for the most part it is the same ride, besides the fact it does not compensate or adjust at all. Good luck, and keep us informed.