When upgrading from stock wheels (18"/8"F&R) to some that are larger (19") and wider (9½/10½), is it necessary to get any alignment or suspension adjustments? I know that if you lower the car than realignment is necessary but is it required for wheel/tire changes?

 

I'd like to know too. Anyone?

 

Good question. I just put some spacers on my stock Track rims and was wondering about this as well...

 

Anybody?

 

I didnt need one after moving from them stock 17's on my enth up to the 19's that I put on right after I got it. I had the alignment check at Nissan and it was still within spec's.

A whole nother disaster after I lowered it though LOL

You should be fine, just get the free inspection before you do it and get a free inspection after to make sure you are still in specs.

 

Thanks. I figured lowering would do it but wasn't 100% sure about the significant width change going from 8" to 10½" wheels.

I had the alignment checked and new tires put on last October and the feathering hasn't returned so I feel pretty comfortable replacing them with aftermarket wheels.

 

Getting 19s from stock, you should lower slightly. I've seen Zs with 19s on, NOT lowered, and it looks funny.

 

Oh, and yes, you should get a wheel alignment after lowering too. If you go too low, you will have to buy aftermarket suspension components like camber kits, but if you lower less than 1", you should be okay with just a wheel alignment.

 

Do we need any suspension components? if the Z's lower than 1", like 1.2" or 1.5" or is it ok with just the wheel alignment?

 

yes... the rear you will need a camber/toe kit to get it back to spec, and there are people that leave the front alone, but I would sugest a kit for the front too.

 

I think the inspection for alignment should be fine. If they find any problems, then align the wheels. As far as lowering the car and camber issues, you should buy the camber kits for both front and rear wheels to save tire life.

 

I agree with the aftermarket alignment products after lowering.

I lowered with a 1" drop which after it settled was more like 1.25" I did the rear camber and toe arms and got back into specs, but after about 8K miles my front tires were DEAD. I went a head and bought the Stillen Front A Arms and was able to get back within specs. It is less expensive to do everything right the first time IMO.

I would have bought the Cusco's A arms, but they were not yet available at that time.

 

No. Changing wheels does not change assignment. As long as the suspension components have not been messed with, the alignment will remain the same.

What I do recommend is checking clearances carefully with new wheels and tires. This is especially important for the front wheels. Find a level surface, turn all the way to the right, then left. Make sure that the tires are not rubbing suspension components or fenders.

 

I would definately go with aftermarket suspension components for that much of a drop. Otherwise, you're going to get some ugly tire wear sooner or later. Don't forget, tires for a 19" wheel for example, are about $220 a piece. After a while, that could get expensive, unless you're super rich, go for it!