Not sure if this is breaking the rules, not trying to shill for a particular brand or anything but I've seen KYB recommended numerous times and they've got a rebate promotion on now https://www.rockauto.com/Images/Curr...FIB-Spring.pdf
I just picked up a complete set of XJS shocks works out to around 30% off I guess.

These should pair nicely with my racing spec poly rear bushings/cagemounts...just need to decide on what to get for the front end bushings then I'm done all the non-cosmetic restoration work.

 

Not bad, though I prefer the factory spec Boge

 

 

Everybody loves a bargain

KYBs are probably a good choice for many owners.

My present Jag had near-new KYBs on it when I bought it. The silver ones; I can't remember the marketing name. They wouldn't have been my first choice based on past experience. But, in fairness, I must admit that I can't actually fault them in any way. There's certainly nothing overtly bad or sub-standard about them that I can discern, judging from the way the car behaves.

Personally, I'm saving up for a set of Konis. That's just a frivolous thing for me. For once in my life I want to have a set of Koni shocks, damn it ! I've always had it in my brain the Konis were the creme de la creme and anything else was settling for something less.

Cheers
DD

 

BTW, also from Rock Auto, I recently bought a pair of Sachs 311348 for the front of the XJSC, for $90 a pair incl. shipping.

My experience, with my previous 1990 V12 convertible, of the white KYBs is that they are a bad match for the V12 - much too soft. They work OK on an XJ6 with the lower weight. I actually ended up taking them off my XJS V12, and putting them on my Series 3 XJ6.

But I don't know how the white ones compare to the grey.

On the new to me XJSC, the front Sachs are quite a bit firmer than the OEM ones I had - all the float is gone, and the ride is more modern - you definitely feel the bumps a bit more, but the handling is much tightened up. Overall I think I like them. If you want a moderately sportier drive than OEM they would be a good choice.

With the new front shocks and the poly steering rack bushings, the XJSC is handling great.

 

Thats what I ended up with on my previous convertible. Bilstein yellow at the front, KYB white at the rear. However, so far I would say that the Sachs have a similar behaviour to the Bilsteins on the front.

 

Yes except the front bilstien ones are wildly expensive for some reason :/ my set cost less than 2 of them from what I've seen.