New to the board. Just bought a 1957 Chevy pu. Has a hotrodded stovebolt 235 and stock everything else. Ive been reading old p osts on the jag ife and irs transplanted into hot rods. My question is if the xj8 is a good donor for this into my truck. There seems to be alot more xj8s than xj6's avalable in my part of central Florida.
I assume you mean the XJ40 platform and later? Those were completely different from the classic XJ6. For instance, while the XJ40 irs was still contained in a subframe or "cage", it had outboard brakes. Here's a useful overview: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jaguar_independent_rear_suspension The XJ6 irs had a certain sexiness to it, especially if "uncaged", which probably prompted it being prominently displayed under Fad-Ts in the '70s. I'd say the XJ40-on suspension doesn't have more to recommend it than a number of other options which might be available to you. Where I am we've got a tradition of getting things horribly wrong. Someone on the local scene saw XJ6 irs under a Fad-T in 1973, and ever since then there has been this perception that Jaguar suspension is something a hot rod absolutely has to have. Jaguar ifs is even used with a live axle, on builds where it isn't substantially different from the stock ifs — it's just wider and creates wheel/tyre problems — just because it's Jag suspension and that's how it's done.
Hope you like dealing with awkward bushes and fiddly shims cuz thats what you gotta deal with if you want a Jag IRS. Personally, I wouldn't bother and I live in the UK where parts are easy to get hold of (all be it expensive but hey) Stick with the solid rear end, unless you go to something truly modern and easy to get parts for near to yourself.
I agree that it's not in the best interest for a swap. If you are set on turning the truck into a more sporty rod style, I'd tend toward a later model Corvette. Keep it in the family, easier parts and setup along with aftermarket support, provided the track width is decent. You also mention just buying the truck. I'd say to go slow, get used to it and what you like or dislike about it before diving into a major change. If it is not what you wanted, it may be better to sell it off and buy what you do want. The time and money spent is rarely returned. Once the rear is swapped, I'd guess you'd want the front dropped and changed too. Then engine/trans, followed by paint, chrome, wiring and interior. At that point, you would have been better off buying one that has all that already. https://florida.buysellsearch.com/vehicles/cars/mk-chevrolet/ml-3100/yr-1957
Go here... Jaguar IFS / IRS swap group | The H.A.M.B. ... and take a look around. You'll have to 'join', click the thread tools in the upper right corner to do so. Jaguars have their flaws (possibly the worst wiring ever) but the suspension isn't one of them. As noted, the XJ40 is not a good candidate for this swap. Unlike the series 1-3 sedans, the suspension isn't fully self-contained on a subframe but is partially integrated into the body so there's considerably more fab work needed. And while the XJ6 disappeared in '88, Jaguar also installed the identical suspension in the XJS coupe/convertible though it's entire production run (75-96) as well as supplying variants to other manufacturers like Shelby AC and Aston Martin. The IRS actually dates all the way back to '61 in the XKE. Parts are readily available and not all that expensive IMO... look here... Jaguar Specialties If you're trying to get rid of the bone-jarring 'truck' ride quality, these are an excellent choice. Great handling too.
I concur. If I can put one in a Nova, a pickup, would be a cake walk. I think Progressive Auto? did a few of them.
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