I just found this site and it looks like it has a wealth of information. I have a 73 E Type that is fully disassembled. I have gotten back into the project recently and am starting with the rear suspension and differential. Can anyone tell me what color the differential is supposed to be? I have heard it is supposed to be red, but what shade? I also need to purchase the brass or bronze fork that bridge between the brake caliper and the parking brake caliper. Just starting to learn the parts searching process and have not seen these in Terry's Jaguar. I have no idea what they are actually called. Any help would be appreciated. I will likely have more question as the project continues.

Submitted by r.dwalters@cha… on Wed, 12/30/2009 - 09:12

Thanks Dick. My diff is black but as I have been cleaning it up I see red underneath and then heard that they were supposed to be red. Glad to hear it is supposed to be black as that is a lot easier. Hope to identify a source for these Handbrake return springs. Mine broke. I brased them back up last night, but I would rather replace if possible. Thanks again.

Submitted by rcmaury@bellso… on Wed, 12/30/2009 - 08:41

The V12 diffs were black. The Series 1 XKE diffs were the red ones. The brass piece you refer to is the handbrake return spring. They are out of production but were the same part used in the XJ6 and XJS and for the most part are reuseable with a slight bending if putting on new pads, that is unless they are broken. Good luck with, most everything is out there, just may require a bit of hunting.