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Hello, I'm a new member, forum user and relatively recent convert to the world of Jaguar. I've a query hopefully someone can clear up for me.
My Daimler V8 is in need of some new front springs and dampers. I've read that the mk and Daimler use different rated coils to account for the difference in engine weight. A cursory search has only unearthed a 'one size fits all' for the range. At the risk of ending up with a car pointing skyward I'm a little hesitant to order them. Does anyone know where I can get one's specifically for my car? many thanks, Phil

I have not done this work myself but do understand the springs are different. I would suggest you ring Ken Jenkins g(as advertised on back page of latest magazine) or Peter Bell (01483 852276) the technical advisor for these models. There has been some good articles in the magazine which you could also search for to help.
Best of luck with the work.
Paul

Hi Phil,

You are correct, They did use different size wire gauge for the weight of the engines.....obvious really!

I spent many years suffering neck and back pain until I had the common sense to measure the spring wire thickness and found mine were undersize, nodding dog syndrom.

I contacted Ken Jenkins (address in the front of the magazine) and raided his spring locker and tried out the original sized springs and a set I had calculated would be better for my car.

I gave my old springs to Ken as we thought they may well be V8 springs.

In your shoes, if I wanted NEW springs I would contact a small spring maker,as most have the original specification and it will be made with European steel rather than chocolate.

The question is WHY do you want new springs, is it low? and WHY new dampers are they leaking or is the car bouncing?

Best Wishes
Brian

Thanks for replies gents. Both springs and dampers appear to be originals and don't perform as they should anymore. I've been advised it would sensible to replace to regain some much needed stiffness, especially on fast corners!
It seems sc parts stock 2 grades of spring, some I'm waiting for them to get back to me. If that proves unfruitful I'll investigate some of the leads you've mentioned. Many thanks

If its the degree of roll on corners then look in the history books and you will see that they cars did this, the answer is a later stiffer front antiroll bar.

Dampers only operate as the car starts to roll, not when you are in the bend.

Stiffer front springs will reduce roll but you are in danger of upsetting the balance of springing front to rear and so comfort over long distance.

Best wishes

Brian

Thanks Brian.
It sits low on the front, one side more than the other and the arch meets the tyre with enthusiastic cornering. Both springs and dampers look to be original, hence the replacement. I'll decide on any anti roll bar upgrades once this is sorted but I'll probably keep it original spec. I'm not planning on using it for track days!
Thanks

Hello, I'm a new member, forum user and relatively recent convert to the world of Jaguar. I've a query hopefully someone can clear up for me.
My Daimler V8 is in need of some new front springs and dampers. I've read that the mk and Daimler use different rated coils to account for the difference in engine weight. A cursory search has only unearthed a 'one size fits all' for the range. At the risk of ending up with a car pointing skyward I'm a little hesitant to order them. Does anyone know where I can get one's specifically for my car? many thanks, Phil

Hello Decopab (?)
The front springs are same as Jaguar 240 or 2.4. Due to lighter front end , so don't use ones for a 3.4 or 3.8 !

About 17 years ago I changed them on my S Type but the car sat too high. They don't seem to be made to correct OE spec in many cases. No one seems to know what the correct spec is.