Jaguar XKE Questions

[Nathan Houghton]

I've found a used 1971 Jaguar XKE Suspension for $500 minus the differential. It includes everything else. Does that sound like a good price? It's from a series 2 car, so I'm under the assumption that it wouldn't have to be narrowed. Is that correct? Also they have a differential from an XJ12 that is 3.31 ratio, but it's open (which I don't mind since I can buy a limited slip unit later) for $250. Is that a good price?

I realize that I'll have to get different shocks so I found a set of Carrera's for $200.00 for 4. Here is a copy of the add:

"This is a pair of Carrera 6255/4 shocks with 375 lb. coilover springs. The springs are chrome plated and 10" long. The shocks are a 62 series aluminum shock. Outside diameter is 1 5/8". Rod diameter is 1/2". Piston diameter is 1-3/16". The stroke is 5 inches. It has a rebound valving of 265lbs. and a compression valving of 220lbs. The extended length is 15.54 inches and the compressed length is 10.57 inches. I do not have an exact application. Would be great for hot rods. The springs are chrome plated. The shocks are also Hyper-charged for better performance. They are adjustable and rebuildable." Will these work? and is it a good price.

I'm sorry this is long. But any help would be appreciated.

Thanks
Nathan

[Jon Miller]

Hi Nathan,
Sounds a little high to me at $750 for an open IRS, as I recall the locker units are not cheap.......

I paid $500 for a complete 3.31 power lock a couple of years ago, and then sold my open IRS on ebay and only got $200 for it. You will find that parts that come in little green boxes are alot more expensive than parts that come in little blue boxes, so alot may depend on the condition of the unit that you are looking at. It cost me $130 for labor just to have the hubs pressed together, plus the cost of the bearings, seals, etc.

Good luck with your project!
Jon Miller

[Nathan Houghton]

Thanks Jon,

I'm trying to determine if I can afford a Jag rear setup or if I'll have to go with a Solid Axle set up. It's looking more and more like I'll just end up going with the Solid Axle.

[hdheritage97]

If I were you, before I gave up the hopes of having an IRS I would pick up a hot rodders type magazine and in there you can find numerous companies that can build you an IRS using a Ford 9" center section, which is far better than the Jag rear anyhow. I have one in my car and it's a Daytona center with 3:50's in it. I think it's a great setup but I should warn that it's not a cheap way to go but thought I would mention it.

Cliff

[wicked fast]

Nathan,
Welcome to ClubCobra and the Mid-States family.
I was in your same positon several years ago.
Had the 460, Toploader, and 9" Granda rear end
with disc brakes.
Then I decided that I would take a little longer to
build it and get what I really wanted.
428, Tremec TKO and Jaguar rearend.
I paid 500.00 for mine from an XJ6 with a
traction lock carrier.
Had CWI narrow the control arms and make new half shafts.
Randy's ring and pinion will re-do the center.
I have ridden in both 9" and Jag IRS cars.
Big difference, in the Jag's favor.
Check out my gallery and please e-mail with any
questions.
Cheers,
Bill Cook

[Bob Putnam]

Nathan,

The width of the Series II is correct, but you should find out from Mid States whether the bracket for the inner pivot is correct. Many kits use the XJ part - it changes the pinion angle.

You should also find out from them whether those shocks will work. They are different from XKE specs, and might allow the suspension to droop to the point of binding.

[Jon Miller]

P.S. to Bob's post........CWI sells these brackets on an exchange basis for whatever angle your car would need.

Sorry Bob,
Jon

[Bob Putnam]

Jon,

I didn't know that!

And when it comes down to it, I don't know a lot of things.

Thanks for the info. Now I don't know one less thing...

[Nathan Houghton]

Thanks for all the input. I'll check into those things mentioned.

-Nathan