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Dodge Neon ACR: New Neon Suspenders May 19, 2009

We replaced the original Arvin struts on our ACR last night, as they were leaking and felt worn out. We chose to replace them with budget-friendly KYB GR2 struts. While the KYBs don’t have the stiff damping of the ACR-spec Arvins, they will work better on loose surfaces.

We also replaced the springs with Hotchkis pieces for the the heavier SRT-4. The progressive sport springs are meant for a 2800 pound SRT-4, which means that they actually raise our 2300-pound ACR about an inch. That will give us both a stiffer spring rate and more ground clearance. Perfect!

While we were in there, we noticed that the left-side tie rod end was worn out. We’ll have to replace that when we get the car realigned.

Comments

chknhwk:
It's amazing how inexpensive parts are for certain cars! It's such a far cry from what I usually run. :)
May 21, 2009 1:51 a.m.
parker:
I'm interested to see what you think of the KYB's. My impression of them is that you get brand new worn out struts.
May 21, 2009 6:18 p.m.
Tim Baxter:
I hated the KYBs on my Neon. I found them to be far inferior to the stock R/T struts. Maybe with the uprated springs they'll work better.
May 22, 2009 6:35 a.m.
Per Schroeder:
they seem ok so far. Better than blown Arvins. I guess that's damning praise.
May 22, 2009 9:13 a.m.
Jaxmadine:
Kybs are a heck of a lot cheaper than the mopar ones.
Jun 1, 2009 8:28 p.m.
loroku:
i hate to break ur bubble but the stock acr's struts are made by koni
Aug 16, 2009 5:58 p.m.
Per Schroeder:
Actually, the 1995 and early 1996 ACRs had struts made by Arvin. After mid-1996, they were made by Koni. I'm not sure what 'ur bubble' is, but not to worry, it's not broken.
Aug 17, 2009 8:55 a.m.
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