These cars are known for eating differentials, so that is a possibility. If it is the oil, you are very lucky!

I had a noise a bit like that, but only from 40 to 50. I thought it was the diff, but it's gone away since I changed the transmission fluid. It certainly won't hurt to check the level. You need a dipstick, you can get them on Ebay.

 

Oh boy, I really hope I don't need a new diff

I think I'll have to do a diff oil and ATF change. Where's there a spot to put the dipstick into?

Thanks for the reply!

 

The tube for the dipstick is at the passenger side rear of the engine compartment. You have to remove the cover below the windshield. For instructions on checking the level, see the current service thread.

 

*UPDATE*

Well today was a "not so good day"

Turns out that it is the rear end, the differential. According to two Indy's, it needs a new unit. They tried Jaguar first and they discontinued production and everything else has totally different ratios, etc. and Jasper does not make the part either.

After hours of looking we were able to locate a salvaged unit in Staten Island, NY. They want $850 for it retail. They won't budge on the price.

Labor would be 6.5 hours, and my technician said it would be a grand total of $1,690.

Is this estimate realistic? I've done diff's (obviously not on a Jag) but they would take me 3 hours tops...granted I'm talking about Mustangs and Vette's etc.

What would your guys honest opinion be, fix it or sell it. I'm already over a grand out of pocket with the car, so not sure what to do and I would really appreciate your input.

Thanks

 

Try Coventry West.

 

What did you pay for the car? How many miles?

 

Thanks for that, unfortunately they only have the bearing.

 

It has 189,087 and I bought it for $2,375, mainly because it has brand new Michelin Pilot Sports on it.

Had no idea this was going to happen. Granted yes, high milage cars have these issues that can pop up. Upon PPI there were no indications of this and the previous owner had all documentation from Jaguar. The car sat for 2 years but had no problem getting back on the road.

 

Ebay will cost you $300 shipped
Jaguar XJ8 Vanden Plas Drivetrain Differential 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 | eBay

 

Sounds like a good opportunity to drop the whole IRS unit, replace the differential, and go through the IRS unit, replacing all the bushes etc.

 

http://www.car-part.com/cgi-bin/search.cgi

Remanufactured- http://www.blackdogmanufacturing.com...ferentials.htm
Which brings you here- http://www.motorcarsltd.com/jaguar-x...-differential/

$200 Free shipping 6 month warranty- http://www.ebay.com/itm/OEM-Jaguar-X...tWTKja&vxp=mtr

 

Wow how did I miss that...

Thank you so much.

Will the gear ratios match with the XJR? Those were XJ8/VDP units.

I'm actually not sure of the XJR ratio or even sure if there's a difference.

 

There was a thread I was reading just a couple weeks back on limited slip rears and gear ratio changes. The general consenious was the car doesn't care what gears are in the rear. The ABS sensors are out past the gears so should have any effect as far as that goes. Just the speedometer may be off sightly.
I'm still searching for the thread..

Here's the thread I was reading- https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...change-108750/

 

Plug your VIN # in here for gear ratio.
Say's my 98 has 3.06
VIN Decoder - Jaguar Forums - Jaguar Enthusiasts Forum

 

Wow, 3.06 as well, thank you! Now I have a lot of homework to do. Should be an interesting Friday evening.

 

You had asked if it would be worth it to fix..
Just go back and read your first post of your thoughts on these cars..
My self, It took a very long time to even want a car. I've been in trucks for years. There was never I car I liked until I came across this 98, not running for $1300. It was a $65,000 new!! Now that just about all the 17 years of neglect has been addressed, you can't get me out of this thing.

 

That's a lot of miles -- and it's an early car. What else has been done?

A lot can start to go wrong past 175k+ and over 17 years. I'm sure they checked the oil level -- how loud is it. I would try thicker oil and see how it goes.

 

Wow that's definitely true love! You've got an excellent point. I always say "with two positives, you'll get a negative with cars". But nothing that some TLC and a slap in the wallet can't take care of

Very happy you brought that puppy back to life!

 

It's quite loud. Both techs I took it to said the unit has to be replaced, no one suggested adding thicker oil (or any oil in general, but then again this is NJ, where everyone wants to make money off of anyone).

Within the past 5k miles the brake fluid and antifreeze was flushed and changed, front hubs replaced, fuel pump replaced, spark plugs done, new air filter all by Jaguar.

Once I bought the car after it was sitting I did an oil change with Mobil 1 advanced full synthetic 5w30.

 

Thank you SO much for your initial eBay link. I spoke with the seller and the ones off the XJ8/VDP don't fit apparently although they have the same final drive ratio. He had one off a 2000 XJR with around 57k on it and I bought it $360 shipped. Beats $850 salvaged from one in Staten Island.

Thanks again my friend, much appreciated!