The factory 17" wheels on the Leaf are incredibly heavy at 28lbs each. And of course they have a slightly wider/taller tire too making them nearly 50lbs ea. I just ordered a setup that is 15" and is about 31lbs per corner for $316 total for wheels and tires after rebates. PM me for details. Sale is still on!Deathwater wrote:Anyone friends with a Nissan tech? Can we confirm any of this?
Lower suspension would increase aerodynamics which increases range. Plus, the leaf is ridiculously 'tall'. I think it could use a 1" drop.
While we are on the topic of suspension, has anyone ever weighed the wheels & factory tires? 17" wheels seemed strange over a lighter 15 or 16" option.
That is a great price for wheels and tires. Question is what tires and what wheels? It wouldn't be for me since I re-used the 16x7 Enkei wheels from my Subaru (dual bolt pattern) with some 205/55-16 Cooper CS5 Ultra Touring tires (not LRR). My setup is 37.6 lbs each. Just curious what you have to get that low weight.pointlomadave wrote:The factory 17" wheels on the Leaf are incredibly heavy at 28lbs each. And of course they have a slightly wider/taller tire too making them nearly 50lbs ea. I just ordered a setup that is 15" and is about 31lbs per corner for $316 total for wheels and tires after rebates. PM me for details. Sale is still on!
Regarding a rear sway bar...if anyone has a lead on one, I'm totally interested. I have a camber kit up front and the car handles amazing with the 17x9" wheels with the 245's I run on it now, but the rear is a bit soggy. Could use a rear sway bar for sure.
Eggroller wrote:Juke parts which could potentially fit the Leaf. All are FWD version of the Juke.
Cusco rear swaybar
- 16mm bolt on. Part number: 271311B16
@eggroller did you end up trying the Juke Lowering springs?Eggroller wrote:There is a stronger aftermarket support for the the Juke. Buy the parts from the Juke install on the LEAF.mxp wrote:If you are planning to rip-out the OEM stuff from the Leaf, why re-select OEM parts once again (from the Juke)?
Since the part numbers are the same across the board. We have a suspension system built for the 2900 lbs Juke on a 3300 lbs Leaf. No wonder it is soft and roll-y.
Very nice work! Looking forward to the pictures.Sterling wrote:After reading this thread, I figured I'd go ahead and look for some craigslist specials. Sure enough, a set of used Juke FWD Eibach springs the neighboring town over! Hurray for $100.
Results:
The springs are physically similar- rears drop right in. The fronts, however, while larger diameter and not interfering with anything, are wound in reverse of the Leaf's (2015 S). This results in a non-factory-secure arrangement. This having not been my first rodeo with this sort of thing, deemed it secure enough to load up and reinstall. I wouldn't recommend this though for someone to go out and purchase as it's not a proper fitment and may slide out of place over time.
The car sits ~1" lower. The ride is about the same- the '15s ride a little firmer than most factory vehicles I've driven. Dampening profile does not match spring rate from the factory so this really isn't any different. Some impacts might be slightly harsher but I drove it about 70 miles today and completely forgot that the springs were installed. I don't register any bounciness at this time.
I think having Juke coilovers as an option (better range of options) is really the benefit of the two vehicles having similar suspension. As for regular drop springs, I would not use the Juke options unless different years of Leaf have different spring design.
I'll post up some pictures tomorrow, don't have them on this PC.
Leaf specifics: 2015 S, 51500 miles, all factory original other than OEM replacement wiper blades!