XK Shocks

120

Suspension - rear shock absorber conversion - XK120

From: Eugene Faust, 6 May 1997:  Does anybody know if there is a tube type
conversion kit available for the rear shocks on a XK120?
        6 May 1997, Mike Plechaty:  Eugene: A kit that converts the 120 to use
140 rear shocks is available in England. I have the price & related info in my
Jaguar reference file at home. I have a mental block at the moment as to the
firm's name. Probably someone else on the list has a better memory than mine. 
        6 May 1997, from  Martin Jacobsen:  Eugene,  Try Guy Broad,Coventry, UK
(fax.+44 1676 542427 - e.mail (cfr.jag.web).  Price for a conv. kit: =A3225 +
VAT.  Martin    
        7 May 1997, from: Larry Schear:  Koni made one many years ago - need a
bracket on the top of the wheel well and an XK-140-like lower spring shackle
support, with a lower shock mount rod.  Worth pursuing, if only for better
performance and easier, longer-lasting shock replacement! Good luck! Larry
Schear, Twin Cam, Inc.
        7 May 1997, from: Dick Rowley:  I saw a kit advertised in a catalog,
possibly XKs Unlimited. I know it  was a US supplier but darned if I can find it
now that I need it. I  remember looking at the price and thinking "never mind."
The kit included  shocks. Welding needed for the upper mounts which as I recall
on a 140 are triangular pieces welded into frame corners on each side, and the
kit  looked much like that. If I find the supplier will advise; you may want to
call XK's 800 # to see if they're the ones.
        12 May 1997, from: Robert Oates:  XKs Unlimited does offer a conversion.
I noticed this in their latest flyer.  It appeared a little pricey for the
bracket arrangement.
        16 May 1997, For the fellow interested in the conversion kit to change to
tube shocks on the rear of your 120, the latest flyer from XKs Unlimited in San
Luis Obispo, CA (USA) lists their kit at $450.50. Also of interest is the front
disc brake conversion bracket to use early E-type disc brakes on the 120 for
those interested in "go (well, stop) rather than show"; available is either the
two brackets needed to mount the calipers or the whole enchilada ready to bolt
on. Pricey, as usual.

150

I'm interested to know what type of shocks are being used on 150's. I've
gotten varying opinions ranging from Konis to Spax to Woodhead. Any
comments would be greatly appreciated.
- Ron Gaeta
  150 dhc

Koni's work fine - fit with no problems - I still have a set from my '55
XK-140 - used but were good when removed (about 20 years ago!)
('affordable' if you're interested).  Spax (Spafax?) were also available -
mounting is 'standard' and conventional, so I beliueve any modern shock
(Gabriel or Monroe) will work fine.  Sears used to sell a good lifetime
replacement, too, but the have stopped having their own brand.  If you're
seeking a brand for a show car, I'd recomment either Koni or the Spax, for
'originality' with period avai lability; Monroe etc. came later.  If for a
driver, either Koni (from experience) or any gas-filled shock.  The Konis
are adjustible for stiffness (compress the shock and turn the outer housing
to open or close the internal oil valve aperture; more closed (clockwise,
if I remember right, when viewed from the top) reduces oil flow, increasing
stiffness).
- Larry Schear
  Twin Cam, Inc.

Perhaps you can help me.  I bought a pair of Konis about 10 years ago, but
I have forgotten whether they are front or rear. Is there a visible
difference?
- Mike Morrin

Very visible! The fronts have loops/eyes top and bottom, with mounting
holes at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the shock. The rears have
a similar loop/eyelet at the bottom and a threaded bolt following the
longitudinal axis of the shock at the top.

Put 'em on - makes a world of difference!

- Larry Schear
  Twin Cam, Inc.

Mike, front shocks have a round pipe across the top which takes a rubber
bushing, rear have a threaded bolt that takes rubber washers and a nut on
top.
-  Don Tracey

If you have any questions or comments send e-mail to: ted@jag-lovers.org
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