Coilover conversion

[SCUTHY2002]

After yet more problems with my air suspension (this time its front o/s strut leaking) I am going ahead with fitting STR coilovers this weekend. I have had a set for sometime and I have adapted the top mounts by slicing the top off some old air struts, cutting off the STR studs and then welding the air strut tops onto the STR units. This way I do not have to re-drill the body and all should appear standard. The challange will be to see if the control unit recognises the CATS on the STR units as I hope to retain the CATS but delete the air system. Should be an interesting problem!! Will let you know!

[J44EAG]

An interesting project and one which I know many of us will be watching.

It would be great if you could produce an article at some point with plenty of images. Best at about 1.5Mb each or a little more if possible. That makes for decent image quality in the magazine.

Lets hope that the CATS gets recognised and that the air delite can be worked around. May be Arnott or Strutmaster can help with a bridge out lead. I believe the module is behind the back seat but you probably already know that.

Images and the continued story here on this BB would be greatly appreciated.

Mike

[SCUTHY2002]

Hi Mike
Yes I am documenting the project and already have photos of the strut top mods.

[SCUTHY2002]

Just an update. My XJR went into a Jaguar specialist to have the modified STR coilovers fitted. Unfortunately they let me down due to a lack of labour . I had to collect the car untouched and as I had a front strut leaking air I had to take it to my local garage to have a spare front air strut fitted to get me back on the road. They fitted the spare unit in 1 hour while I waited and charged just £50.
I have now delayed the conversion until the next time I have a problem (which will no doubt not be long!). When the conversion goes ahead I will continue to document the process and put together an article for the Mag.

[J44EAG]

Frustrating for you, as it is indeed for any of us when matters outside of our own control, intervene.

For every fault, there has to be a cause for the failure. Air suspension is little different in that respect to any other component. Remove the offending part and replace and all goes ok for a while. However the annoyance factor can multiply if you have to replace the same part frequently.

Most air suspension failures are usually down to a worn compressor piston ring which is usually caused by an air leak somewhere. The valve block by the tanks occasionally plays up as can a ride height sensor. Yes there are the instances where a strut hardens and need replacement. Otherwise and certainly in the UK, the suspension does not appear overly troublesome. However in the USA, failure seems to be a rather more regular occurance. I wonder why?

Mike

[BrianG]

However in the USA, failure seems to be a rather more regular occurance. I wonder why? Mike

Have you driven in Detroit? The roads are apalling, and that combined with BMI-challenged drivers (body mass index) must give the suspension a really hard time.