Some time ago, Steve P responded to a question about ride height on XK-8...

I have just replaced the springs (SNG Barratt) and shocks with new shock bushings (upper and lower) on the front of my 1997 XK-8 Convertible.
My wheel center to wheel arch flange distance is now 13.25" where I understand that it should be 15.75" or so.
What did I do wrong? Is there a way to fix it without going through all the procedure again? Have I been given the wrong springs? Do I need to get my driveway re-graded so I don't keep hitting?

Thanks,
Josh
69 E-Type OTS
97 XK-8 Conv.

Submitted by joshbartlett@r… on Thu, 08/28/2014 - 10:00

The saga continues.... could someone out there take a measurement for me?
It would be helpful to know what the distance from the center of a front wheel to the edge of the wheel arch with the wheel off the ground.
This should tell me if the spring/shock/mount assemblies are the correct length overall.
If they are, then I will have to guess that the problem is the spring and the location of the collar on the shock?
Thanks in advance.
Josh

Submitted by joshbartlett@r… on Fri, 08/22/2014 - 14:53

The wheels are the originals, and the tires are 245/50 ZR 17, as I understand are the correct ones.
I will be contacting SNG Barratt. Thanks for that suggestion.

Submitted by stevejag@sbcgl… on Fri, 08/22/2014 - 11:49

Hi Josh,

George is right to ask about the tire/wheel configuration since you have a ground clearance problem. A low profile tire will affect clearance, but not ride height; but springs will affect BOTH ride height and ground clearance. The specs are attached again.

I don't have an appropriate car handy right now to measure and compare, but it does sound like the springs may still be an issue. Have you contacted SNG Barratt to discuss it with them? I would certainly do that first; maybe they have an answer.

Keep us posted!