So today I heard a lot of clunking noises going over a few bumps, and I think my front right coil is shot in one way or another.
What options do I have , I'm thinking oem might be my only option. However if there's an aftermarket solution that can take some weight out of the car I'd like to use it. Either way the old system has to be replaced.

 

there's many parts in the front suspension system I think u should take a look and check what exactly causes that noise before I throw money on wrong parts.

The shock itself might be in good condition but the bushing might be broken part number CCC6782.

My advice get the oem shocks good condition from eBay for 80-90$ pair . I used kyb and even Bilstein both not good as oem

 

You don't give any information of the mileage of your 2001 XJ8 in your profile, but I doubt you need new coil springs, more likely that you may need upper shock bushings and/or new shocks. Both are very easy to replace, Rock Auto has the upper shock bushings complete with shock plate for around $20 bucks a side, and for shocks you are best advised to replace with OEM Bilsteins which can be found on eBay for around $225 a pair.

But first you need to have the vehicle up on a lift and have the suspension inspected to discover if this is the root cause of the clunking noise.

 

Oh it has 181,000miles , and I checked the coils this morning, seems to be fine in the front and back no cracks, checked bushings and they seem to be fine too. I did notice that the right side front lower ball joint is damaged(its cracked with a little grit on the sides and when I push it with all my weight it makes the clunking noise). the left didn't show any signs of damage

 

As already mentioned, the front shock top mounts are a very common failure point and when they fail, allow the shock shaft to knock against the mounting plate on every road imperfection.

The anti-roll bar bushings and links are also common failure points that can cause noises.

Rock Auto carries the OE Bilstein shocks for $99.79 each plus tax and shipping, and the aftermarket Üro Parts front upper shock mounts for about $20.00 each. Welsh Enterprises has their own yellow-foam bushed upper mounts for $33.00 each.

Cheers,

Don

 

@thread Thanks I'm scheduling a suspension inspection for next week , I've already ordered the new ball joints (if i'm replacing one I'm replacing all of em).

 

The upper shock mounts were the problem on my 99 XJ8.

 

Xanzar,

Please let us know how this progresses. I have the same issue with my 2001 xj8, lots of clunking noise going over bumps. I went over a brick road and it sounded like an old train.

I replpaced top shock mounts and that did help.

jeffxj8

 

So I was up late last night and it just hit me that with a full on suspension rebuild (new shocks , bushings , shock towers, axle seals ,differential seals, wheel bearing all around , and ball joints) that this will basically be a completely new car (save for the rear bumper(I think the plastic clips are broken) and paint; for less than $9,000.00(I recently did the trans and rad), also have a new serpentine belt, and spark plugs (the recommended NGK 5464 BKR5EIX-11) . All in all even though it seemed like a troublesome car I'm really glad my father gave me it.

 

Xanzar,

I had clunking noises when I drove over a speed bump or small holes in the street, but after I replaced the front anti roll bar links (easy and cheap enough), the clunking noises went away. Although they may not have any play in them after you remove the links, they may be bad enough to cause a noise.

 

I don't know about the 2001, but my '99 had what I believe were plastic timing chain tensioners and guides. It now as a 2003 engine in it. Would have been a lot cheaper to replace the timing chains, plastic tensioners and plastic guides before they failed. Given what you have in it now, I'd look at doing this too if the 2001 still has the plastic parts.

 

So here's everything that I got quoted for today
Front Strut mounts (left and right)
Front Strut bellows (left and right)
Front Struts (Left and Right)
Rear Struts (Left and Right)
Front wheel Bearings (Left and right)
Rear wheel bearings (Left and Right)
Serpentine Belt
Spark Plugs(both cylinder banks)
Rear Axel Shaft seals(left and right)
Rear Inner Wheel Seals(left and right
Rear Outer Wheel Seals(left and right)
Thermostat
Driver side Lower ball joint
New Differential fluid
Rear Abs Wheel speed sensors (left and right)
quote came out to $2,488.00USD
very reasonable at 31 man hours.
Mission critical items, are the rear wheel bearings and front struts.
I'll be getting everything installed at a monthly basis, but to keep her on the road should be somewhere around $1,200
Honestly I was expecting something crazy like $4,500 or above for everything.

 

Just got the oem front shocks and strut mounts installed ride quality has improved significantly over the KYB's that were previously failing. Just waiting to have enough money(for labor) to do the rears and she's a new car.