Hello everyone. New member here with first post.

I was given this vehicle with 87502 original miles on it. Runs strong with no engine or transmission issues. Only have coolant, PS and break fluid PM's left to do. I does however have this clunking noise on the drivers side rear that I'll need a shop to look at. So two questions:

1. What is today's best overall tire for high speed and handling available for the stock 225/60 R16 rims?
2. What (if any) suspension upgrades should I consider since that work is coming up shortly.

Your help is greatly appreciated since I'm a total newbie with this vehicle!

 

I am using Pirelli Cinturato tires on my 1996 Vanden Plas, 1970 E-Type S2, and PZero on a 2016 MX5 Miata.

The Vande Plas was also quite happy on Michelin Pilot Sport tires previously. They aged out rather than wore out.

 

Thanks for the input Mike. I've got the Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II at the top of the list. Also looking at the Sumitomo HTR A/S PO3. Its a V (vs an H) rated tire and seems reasonably priced. Still got to do some homework on this particular brand.

 

My XJS has never gripped the road as well with the Firestone WeatherGrip tires I have on it. I drive it through all seasons and all conditions.

Worst tires I ever had were the Pirelli P7s. I'm done with Pirelli.

I had Continentals, which were adequate. I also had a set of BF Goodrich tires which were great, but wore out quickly.

I rarely take the car over 90mph, and usually drive somewhere around 75mph, give or take 5mph.

 

I use on my X300 1995 TOYO PROXES T1R 245/55 R16 on the stock rim. very satisfied after 50,000 km. So also mounted on my XJS 1996. They are summer tires, better than all season tires. The problem is that they are no longer available in that size.

 

I really like Toyo tires. I was not aware you could use a 245/55 R16 on the stock rim. That might open up a few options as its kind of limited. The Pirelli's are out as they don't make the 225/60 R16 size any more. In terms of premium tires, I have found the following to consider:

• Bridgestone WeatherPeak (new tire, V rated)
• Firestone WeatherGrip (V rated)
• Continental TrueContact
• General Altimax RT45 or 365 AV

I live in the desert Southwest of the United States where rain, cold and snow are not the norm. A good performance summer tire would be ideal. The research continues....

 

Hello GEEK.

You will want some new shock absorbers all around. Rock Auto has a few options. Anything new will improve the handling.

Some have chosen urethane bushings, but those tend to make the ride too harsh, and also put more stress on the other older bushings still there.

Your left rear clunk is probably the upper shock mount, which probably doesn't exist any more.

This is a DIY job. A shop job will likely cost you 4 digits. There are bound to be other needs for those digits, like tires.

 

AZGEEK,
If you are looking for actual suspension upgrades, then I would recommend my uprated anti-roll bar drop links (see separate post). As you have an XJ6, I don't think that it is fitted with a rear anti-roll bar, but this could be added if you can source the necessary parts. I use an aftermarket 20mm diameter rear ARB from an XKR on both my XJR6 cars.

Components used in up-rated front anti-roll bar drop links

Installation of up-rated front anti-roll bar drop links

Up-rated rear anti-roll bar and drop links

 

Thank you for the pictures! I'll reach out directly via email when I get to this stage. Just got the A/C working and fixing/replacing interior parts, door panels, speakers, etc.

 

Man those are real nice rubber boots for those spherical rod ends! They fit like a glove too.
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I've had the front drop links on one car for 14 years, and the spherical bearings are still in excellent condition, thanks to these rubber boots.

 

Do they come with the ends or are they a separate purchase?
I have seen many rubber boot replacements for suspension joints and usually you can get them separate.
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I buy the boots separately and fit them over the spherical bearings myself.

 

Mechanical progress since my last update:

New rear shocks and coil spring bushings
All fluids changed including rear diff
U joints greased
New air intake.

I just bought a used set of wheels and tires that came off a 2000 XK8. The fronts are 18x8" and the rears are 18x9" All four tires are 245/45 R18. They fit but.... Would going with 255/45 R18's in the rear hurt my situation or stick with the same size on all fours? Again vehicle is a 1996 XJ6 4.0.

Modifying and/or rolling fenders is not a problem as the entire vehicle needs new paint anyway. Some idiot cut the bottom of the bumpers on both side. Once I get that fixed it may create more challenges but for now it might actually help. Its really tight but no rubbing under normal driving and full lock turns.

 

I have found both these statements to be true from this post with these XK8 wheels and tires:



I don't like the wandering on rough roads but may have to live with it unless something can be done about it through upgrades??? The likely hood of going any wider that 245 is slim to none at this point.

 

Just got back from a high speed test ride. There are mostly pro's to this move but some con's as well. Anyone have a recommendation on a soft riding 245/45 R18 tire brand and model?

 

Not that I'm well versed in current tire offerings but "45 series tire" and "soft riding" might be a tall order !

Cheers
DD

 

I know. Wishful thinking on my part. Hoping there is some kind of middle ground.

 

Search the X300 archives for "tramlining". You should find lots of discussion...but perhaps few if any cures. These cars don't like wide tires. The XJR/6 used 255/45x17 and was notorious for tramlining.

You wouldn't want to, IMO

Cheers
DD