| Margatenj |
After reading that the Europe's version of the mo has stiffer suspension (for hi-speeds) I would like some help from anyone that has or know about upgrading a USA mo suspension.
The mo is called a hybrid SUV & luxury car ... to me it feels like they left way to much luxury in the suspension ... just to damn soft... this is the only thing I dislike about the mo. Making a quick steering wheel movement and then needing to recover... got to be fixed.
My 95 Pathfinder had a switch to change the suspension "lose / stiff", this would be the dream mod ... but I'd be happy with all time stiff suspension.
Anyone interested in this mod or knowing anything involving this, please reply.
Thank you! |
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| njjoe |
Margatenj-
Not to be sarcastic, but... You should have opted for the SE model. It has the "sport-tuned suspension (firmer springs, struts and shocks) for sportier handling and a firmer ride".
Firming up the suspension on the SL is going to be a costly proposition.
-njjoe |
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| hfelknor |
You can do Eibach springs for about $230 plus shipping plus labor. "Could" be a DIY.
IMO a plus would be the lowering of the vehicle a little over an inch.
Shocks are a problem. Don't know anybody that makes aftermarket for Murano except KYB, and they are the OEM manufacturer.
As far as sway bars. I would think the ones from the SE would help..........junkyard?
Did you take a test ride?
Homer |
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| Kris |
| I would advise - go to a dealer and test drive MO SE. If you like it you may get the SE springs. Or as Homer said, Eigach is another possibility. |
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| njjoe |
Homer-
Please correct me if I am wrong, but I thought I read in this forum that the stabilizer bars are the same regardless of models. No?
Thanx in advance.
-njjoe |
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| hfelknor |
I don't know joe.
But there must be some differences......and I don't think it is the shocks as KYB does not differentiate between the SE or the SL. (Does anybody know if there are different Part #s for the struts/shock at Nissan?)
Since the springs carry the same Nissan part # for SE and SL, I assumed that the only real difference was the sway bars and maybe the bushings.........
Lets face it, the difference is minor.
And anyway, the concept is the same.
IF the sways are the same but the shocks are different, then buy the shocks.
The major thing is to put the Eiabchs in, IMO.
Homer |
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| Enforcer |
| Don't know part numbers but from nissanusa: |
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| Margatenj |
One of the problems I had when buying my mo ... I was there to buy an Xterra.
Did all my pre-buying reading involving the Xterra ... when there I didn't care for the Xterra at all - flat plastic seats butt slid side to side when making turns on the street, could not picture it fun off-road... but loved the mo ... I did test drive a few mos but they didn't have any of the SE version for sale used. (I just bought my mo about 4 or 5 weeks ago so its still new and I'm still learning).
So I f-ed up and should have read more about what I was buying and that there was a sport suspension model.
Never a small animal around to kick when you need one!
Who lives the closest to me? so I can come by at night crawl under your car and strip off the parts I need... you'll never miss them :2: then again... bullets hurt.
stabilizer bars and sway bars are the same thing right? yeah thats right, I know NOTHING about a cars suspension!
But I'm on another site reading about Eibach ...trying to find a write up (review) on anyone that put these on a SL MO ...don't know how I feel about lowering my mo ... can you even notice a lower 1.2 inch visual difference? |
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| hfelknor |
Again, Enforcer, I don't know.
I only know what I read.
And here are the part numbers for the Murano springs
. Front Suspension
. .
. . 6 - Coil Spring
. 54010CA102
. $102.43
Notes
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. Rear Suspension
. .
. . 4 - Coil Spring
. 55020CA020
. $113.78
Notes
There seems to be no differentiation between the SE or the SL.
Margaten:
Yes Stabilizer bars are the same as sway bars and they are both the same as roll bars.
A 1.2 inch drop will be very noticeable to some and subtle to others.
Where it will be the most striking is that it will close up the obscene wheel wells on the Murano.
One of the things you have to watch out for here, or on any car forum.........people are defensive. Most are not "car guys". They are consumers, and will argue to the death that their choice was best.
The SL/SE thing is one of those points that most cannot agree on.
Homer |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
There seems to be no differentiation between the SE or the SL.
A 1.2 inch drop will be very noticeable to some and subtle to others.
Where it will be the most striking is that it will close up the obscene wheel wells on the Murano.
Could the springs and so on be mounted in a difference way between the two models to make the SE a sport-tuned suspension?
and I've looked at photos from here of people's mo that they dropped ... and the wheels don't rub in the well? if not I think the only problem I'd have is hitting my head get getting in, until I get use to the new lower height of the door.
and here is the really hard question, will this mess up my warranty? |
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| njjoe |
quote:
Originally posted by Margatenj
Could the springs and so on be mounted in a difference way between the two models to make the SE a sport-tuned suspension?
Margatenj-
According to the Service Manual, the answer is no.
However, the height specs (see below) in the Service Manual seem to indicate there is something different with the components. While the height difference is very small, it was enough that they purposely referenced it.
The SE also has different alignment specs for the REAR wheels (the front specs are identicle to the S and SL).
The sales literature indicates the SE has firmer springs and shocks/struts, yet the part numbers do not support that. Something is not right.
Talk to the parts guy at a Nissan dealership. Maybe he can provide you with more specific information concerning the SE-specific components.
Good Luck.
-njjoe |
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| Margatenj |
Okay I'll point it out since no one else is bring it up ... this thread name " If suspension is stiff for more then 4 hours seek out mechanical attention" ... this must be the best thread name ever for any car site... what do you think? :D
btw, I'm looking for the EIBACH Pro Kit Nissan 6370.140 springs, want them by this weekend in my hands so I can have them installed on Saturday.
I'm planning on going to the rally this May 5th in NJ and would like to have them before then... then again, might give me a chance to see a low mo and ask the owner about the mod, maybe a test drive might be to much to ask... as a passenger would answer all my questions.
hate messing with anything that might make it hard to sell down the line, lowering it must.
Also a lowered car screams "Yoh cops!!! look at me!!! am I doing anything wrong like speeding?" AND "Yoh Gang-bangers smash a window so you can pop the hood and see what else he as change on this car!" |
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| GMTURBO43 |
Speaking of being stiff for longer than four hours - one inch isn't much. :)
Now, if you lower it, throw on some chrome rims, tint the windows and upgrade the stereo - you might get a bit more attention than you seek.
I think there will only be a few people that will notice a difference. |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by njjoe
Margatenj-
According to the Service Manual, the answer is no.
However, the height specs (see below) in the Service Manual seem to indicate there is something different with the components. While the height difference is very small, it was enough that they purposely referenced it.
-njjoe
the mos they measured probably had difference amounts of gas in their tanks :2: or the weight of the "E" in SE made it heavier.
I'm just happy with all the help you guys gave me, and damn fast too!
I'm "seek out mechanical attention" to see how much and fast I can have these springs installed once I get them.
I know a mechanic that will most likely make me put them on myself (letting me use his shop) so I'll should have pictures to post of a step by step installation. |
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| nissanlove |
how about the nismo or the impul srping and strut system?? that should improve overall dynamics and i think they are both adjustable.
here's a link to a site that has them-
sport springs and struts
performancenissanparts.com also has the nismo setup but there site is down b/c of a safety intrusion. you can still give them a call though(phone number provided on their site)
link:Performance nissan parts |
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| Enforcer |
| Well Homer, it won't be the first time an auto manufacturer has lied :D. Actually I've been thinking the ride of the 06 SE is noticeably softer than the 03. But that may just be my imagination having driven the Z for the last 5 months. |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by nissanlove
how about the nismo or the impul spring and strut system?? that should improve overall dynamics and i think they are both adjustable.
here's a link to a site that has them-
sport springs and struts
performancenissanparts.com also has the nismo setup but there site is down b/c of a safety intrusion. you can still give them a call though(phone number provided on their site)
link:Performance nissan parts
You could have saved me some time by including the prices :eek: ... I'm kidding... but this is way more then I have in my suspension budget by a grand. Thanks! |
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| nissanlove |
| haha just lending a helping hand. you wanted stiff so you got stiff in the wallet... it think they are a quite reasonable price, considering the exhaust systems are hovering around 2g's |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by nissanlove
haha just lending a helping hand. you wanted stiff so you got stiff in the wallet... it think they are a quite reasonable price, considering the exhaust systems are hovering around 2g's
I'm going to go with the EIBACH Pro Kit Nissan 6370.140 springs and have a mechanic that will install them, about 100 dollars a spring. So my total as it looks now will be $650.00 installed.
ehhh.. I better like them!!! the mechanic can get the kit for the same price I can and I'm letting him order them, and its just a matter of when he gets them in and has the HOURS it takes to do this... I looked up a site with step by step photos of whats involved... taking the wheel off, the breaks off, the rotor out , compressing the old springs and removing them, adding the new springs, and then rebuilding the break system for the wheel and putting the tire back on... I'd guess over an hour worth of work for each spring... and having it all work afterwards, and done in a day, not two month (if I tried to do it).
Still going to try and get at lease one Spring replacement worth of photos ...from A to Z to post up here... |
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| njjoe |
If suspension is stiff for more then 4 hours seek out mechanical attention.
Margatenj-
Good luck! For $650 I hope it is stiff enough for you without being painful. We wouldn't want you to have to seek out medical attention. :2:
-njjoe |
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| Margatenj |
I just ordered the EIBACH Pro Kit Nissan 6370.140 for $245... and I found out because of lack of interest this part has been discontinued by the manufacturer.
So if anyone wants to do this mod, you might want to order uses sooner then later before they're sent back to the maker. |
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| hfelknor |
What a shame.
I think this would have done it for you.
Why do web sites NEVER maintain their site?
I don't know how many times i have had something similar happen.
Homer |
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| Eric L. |
The shocks on the SE and SL are not the same - different part numbers. Also, it is rarely the case that the OEM part (even if the brand and type are the same) is as stiff as the commercially branded part (i.e. OEM shocks vs KYB's). So, I expect the aftermarket KYB GR2's to be slightly stiffer than SL or SE shocks.
SE and SL springs are also different. Parts list shows a different number depending on model.
I posted this on other suspension threads on the forum but I'll repeat it again - its not a good idea to switch to lowering springs without upgrading to stiffer shocks. The OEM shocks were not made to handle a 1.2" drop, and will quickly wear out if used with lowering springs, making your ride even worse. |
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| Nissmo |
I put Eibachs on my Touareg and it turned it into a 5000+ lb stiffy that did not handle as well as my SE MO.
The MO is too firm for many and hash on rough surfaces, but it is the most tossable semi SUV out there. Understeers a bit but safety dictates that. |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by hfelknor
What a shame.
I think this would have done it for you.
Why do web sites NEVER maintain their site?
I don't know how many times i have had something similar happen.
Homer
No I got them, just a few places I called didn't have them anymore, or could not longer get them. |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
The shocks on the SE and SL are not the same - different part numbers. Also, it is rarely the case that the OEM part (even if the brand and type are the same) is as stiff as the commercially branded part (i.e. OEM shocks vs KYB's). So, I expect the aftermarket KYB GR2's to be slightly stiffer than SL or SE shocks.
SE and SL springs are also different. Parts list shows a different number depending on model.
I posted this on other suspension threads on the forum but I'll repeat it again - its not a good idea to switch to lowering springs without upgrading to stiffer shocks. The OEM shocks were not made to handle a 1.2" drop, and will quickly wear out if used with lowering springs, making your ride even worse.
What shocks should I use? Or point me to a site that'd have what I'd need...
THANKS FOR THE HEADS UP! |
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| Eric L. |
quote:
Originally posted by Margatenj
No I got them, just a few places I called didn't have them anymore, or could not longer get them.
Its pretty much the same labor to also install new struts/shocks at the same time, so I would consider also getting the new KYB GR2's put in. They will likely be stiffer than stock (but not by much) and will offer the increased dampening necessary for handling control with the lowered suspension. Its not a must, but I thikn you should ask your mechanic about it to see how much it will affect the overall cost.
The last thing you want is to lower it with the stock struts/shocks, find the ride to be unacceptable, and then have to pay for the same labor again to get the KYB's. It is not a bad idea to contact KYB directly to ask if the GR2's are acceptable fitment on a lowered vehicle, and whether they would improve performance on a Murano. |
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| Margatenj |
quote:
Originally posted by Eric L.
Its pretty much the same labor to also install new struts/shocks at the same time, so I would consider also getting the new KYB GR2's put in. They will likely be stiffer than stock (but not by much) and will offer the increased dampening necessary for handling control with the lowered suspension. Its not a must, but I think you should ask your mechanic about it to see how much it will affect the overall cost.
The last thing you want is to lower it with the stock struts/shocks, find the ride to be unacceptable, and then have to pay for the same labor again to get the KYB's. It is not a bad idea to contact KYB directly to ask if the GR2's are acceptable fitment on a lowered vehicle, and whether they would improve performance on a Murano.
Yes you make some very good points!
400 bucks to have the springs put in by a mechanic , 300 bucks for the KYB GR2s shocks... that are better then stock, but if I need to put them in later because the stock parts suck - its will cost me another 400 bucks... yes Spock I see the logic! :D
I've called KYB;
KYB America LLC
140 N. Mitchell Court
Addison, IL 60101
Ph: (630) 620-5555
http://www.kyb.com
and if you ever call them and go thru their phone voice menu - when they say "for Japanese press 3" doesn't refer to the type of car you have... its the language they're going to switch you to :2:
I got a their voice mail (after calling back because my Japanese sucks) ... so I left a message both voice and written(email) giving them all my mo's details... I'm waiting to see if they reply/call back.
I told them I'm a member of this site and "getting better control" was a thread on this site .... and I'm being a ginni-pig ... might get me a better deal, you never know... couldn't hurt.
I did look up whats involved in replacing the springs (days ago) and if I'm going to be paying someone to be replacing the spring - the shocks are right there! Adding another 10 minutes or less to the job. Might as well replace the struts too, they're the cheapest part of this whole mess.
...I should have just bought a Z |
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| Margatenj |
The one things that is bugging the hell out of me from KYB's site
GR-2� Premium Shocks and Struts...that is often better than original equipment.
Is it better? Is it the same? Is it WORSE?
They do no state! :confused:
...still waitind on a reply.... |
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