IRS Conversion on a Solid Rear Axle Car?

[Bates]

My FWD Juke has a solid rear axle, like many FWD Nissans. However, the AWD Juke has IRS. I want to take the rear suspension components of the AWD Juke and apply them to my FWD Juke. Are conversions like this possible? If so how involved/difficult would you assume they are? I would guess that I would need to have a shop make custom mounting brackets. Any information would be helpful. This is a project I would like to tackle next Summer if possible.

[Big_Jim]

Guys with mustangs do it all the time. I'd assume that the chassis of the AWD and the FWD are the same, just the suspension and transmission components differ.

I'd start by trying to find pictures of the under sides of both cars, then move on to mounting points and part numbers.

[Bates]

Guys with mustangs do it all the time. I'd assume that the chassis of the AWD and the FWD are the same, just the suspension and transmission components differ.

I'd start by trying to find pictures of the under sides of both cars, then move on to mounting points and part numbers.

Way ahead of you Big Jim. My boss, who is a pretty serious petrol head, is also a Mustang guy, and we just talked about this for about 30 minutes.

http://www.courtesyparts.com/juke-f15-2011-2013/genuine-nissan-parts/axle-suspension/431-rear-suspension/-c-9931_9943_10035_10039.html

Using these pics as a reference, I think my first step is going to be getting an AWD rear arm assembly and matching up mount points to my car.

My biggest concern is possibly needing the entire rear frame.

Another concern which it seems is no longer a problem if the stub shaft. I thought I would have to cut and weld the stub shaft in place so the hub assembly didn't shake loose.
http://www.courtesyparts.com/juke-f15-2011-2013/genuine-nissan-parts/axle-suspension/430-rear-axle/-c-9931_9943_10035_10038.html

Looking at those pics, lets me know that it won't be an issue. Both models use the same hub assemble.

As I dig more into this, it looks more and more possible.

[Bates]

So while looking over more stuff, it seems like I would definitely need the rear K frame. That's fine, the parts are not expensive. The problem there is the rear floors are not the same on the FWD and AWD models. I'd either have to weld in AWD floors (not happening), or see if custom mounts could be made.