Another Strut Choice

[sketchman]

Updated and cleaned up a bit.

Neon - Fully extended - bottom to top = 20" - bottom to threads = 18.5"
Neon - Fully compressed - bottom to top = 15.5" - bottom to threads = 14"
Rio - Fully extended - bottom to top = 21.5" - bottom to threads = 20"
Rio - Fully compressed - bottom to top = 16" - bottom to threads = 14.5"

Should clarify. On the Neon strut the measurement is actually to the beginning of the threads. On the Rio it's to the part that sticks through the strut mount bearing inner race. Both measurements are still the same because that's where the bottom of the strut mount sits on the rod.

[Advancedynamix]

Very nice. I may have to pick up a set of these to try. I checked for cheap adjustable coilovers and there wasn't anything close to the MK2/3 v-dub stuff, but they look easier to fit to the Festiva/BF Mazda than the VW units. I'll keep an eye out for a cheap set of KYBs or something to try out. My Capri needs new front struts in a bad way. Lol.

[sketchman]

Sweet. I know BC and Ksport make coilovers for the Neon but they're $1k+ for a set of 4. Most guys just use the sleeves and KYBs and the fortunate ones have the Konis and/or Mopar performance lowering springs or sleeves.

Either one doesn't help here.

[defprun]

The rears fit as well?

[sketchman]

No. Neon uses IRS and a strut very much like the fronts in the rear.

[sketchman]

Just thought I'd add. 1st Gen Neon KYBs on eBay are $50 shipped each.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/KYB-Suspension-Strut-Assembly-234902-Dodge-Neon-Plymouth-Neon-95-99-/261184192005?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3ccfca7e05&vxp=mtr

Or Monroes for $40 each. Both slotted for very big happy time camber adjustments.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/MONROE-801959-Front-Strut-Assembly-/290691463904?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3ANeon%7CYear%3A1995&hash=item43ae8fbae0&vxp=mtr

[Hot_Wheels]

had anyone installed these yet?

[skeeters_keeper]

I just bought a pair for a car we're putting coil overs on... give me another week or two and I'll have installed pics and more info on the fit up.

[nitrofarm]

I just bought a pair for a car we're putting coil overs on... give me another week or two and I'll have installed pics and more info on the fit up.

Any updates would be awesome Skeeter:thumbs_up:

[skeeters_keeper]

I haven't got there quite yet - still finishing the mounts for the swap. A few observations I've had thus for though:
1. the lower mounting holes will line up with minimal work.
2. the spring perch is welded much higher on the strut body than on festiva struts. I think it'll be OK, but it may not allow as much of a drop if you use the weld bead to hold up the coilover adjusters. It may have to be turned down and a longer adjuster (or a spacer) used seating directly on the lower part of the strut.
3. the threaded portion at the top of the strut fits somewhat loosely in the kia rio top hat, but it is shorter than the threaded portion on a festiva. You can only get a few threads in the nut - not enough to make me feel comfortable. i'm planing to turn a small part (about 1/2") of the strut rod down to fit nicely inside the rio strut hat, killing two birds with one stone.

Until I actually do it, this is just speculation and I may run into other issues!

[Advancedynamix]

i'm planing to turn a small part (about 1/2") of the strut rod down to fit nicely inside the rio strut hat, killing two birds with one stone.

Until I actually do it, this is just speculation and I may run into other issues!

This is what I have done on the last few sets of VW struts I've modified for the festy. It works very well.