Aspire vs rio Troy struts

[Fecomatter]

So my driver side wheel bearing exploded and I'm going to the yard in a few to get rio knuckles for both sides. While I'm there I'm wondering if it's worth the extra 30 bucks to get the rio struts, it's half off today and tomorrow. Anyone know if the rio ones are that much better than aspire ones? I think I read something about rio ones turn better? Let me know. And if you need something from the yard comment quick.

[Fecomatter]

GOT MEGA AUTOCORRECTED IN THE TITLE

[TominMO]

If the Rio struts are in good shape, yes they have more damping than Aspire or Festiva ones, even the Festy KYBs. The Rio strut top mounts have actual ball bearings, not just a flat washer-type bearing. You will want to cut the Festy or Aspire spring you are using by one coil, otherwise it will be too tall in the Rio strut. Don't bother using a Rio spring, it is also too tall and much heavier; unless you want that. You will still need to cut it, maybe 1.5 coils. Get good long bump stops (KYB SB118, Rock Auto, $14)

If the Rio JY strut is no good, at least get the top hat and buy a new Rio strut.

[bhazard]

I wouldn't use a Rio strut unless it was dirt cheap. You can get new mk3 vw struts pretty cheap and they are a better choice.

[Fecomatter]

Thanks, I'll save the money then

[TominMO]

I wouldn't use a Rio strut unless it was dirt cheap. You can get new mk3 vw struts pretty cheap and they are a better choice.

What years constitute VW mk3? What mods are needed to adapt it to the Festy? If you are talking about using them for coilovers, the added expense of springs and top hats more than makes up for the lower price on the strut itself.

The advantage of the Rio strut is you just bolt it on, and have a better top bearing included. Just mod the Festy spring to get back to stock height.