Project Super Neon, Part 2

The stock Neon springs (left) are taller and softer than the powdercoated Suspension Techniques replacements (right).
The stock Neon springs (left) are taller and softer than the powdercoated Suspension Techn

Our Neon came with factory sway bars, but the Suspension Techniques units (top bar in each photo) are thicker and use urethane bushings for reduced body roll and improved steering response.
Our Neon came with factory sway bars, but the Suspension Techniques units (top bar in each

Disconnect the brake-line bracket by removing the 10mm bolt that holds the bracket to the strut. Unbolt the two lower strut bolts, being careful not to lose the washer plate, and slide the strut away from the spindle.
Disconnect the brake-line bracket by removing the 10mm bolt that holds the bracket to the
Disconnect the top of the strut by removing the three 13mm bolts that go through the fenderwell. Make sure the strut is supported from the bottom. A second set of hands works well for this.
Disconnect the top of the strut by removing the three 13mm bolts that go through the fende

Use a spring compressor to separate the upper strut bracket and boot from the strut. Place the bracket, boot, and isolator on the new spring. Compress the spring and slide the strut into position. Tighten the upper nut.
Use a spring compressor to separate the upper strut bracket and boot from the strut. Place
Reinstall the strut, and finger-tighten the three 13mm upper strut nuts. These will act as a support while you align the lower strut bolts with the spindle. Make sure the lower strut bolt holes are facing out.
Reinstall the strut, and finger-tighten the three 13mm upper strut nuts. These will act as

Bolt in the two lower bolts and don’t forget the washer plate. Tighten these bolts to factory specs. Reattach the brake-line bracket to the strut. Tighten the upper strut nuts on the fenderwell to factory specs.
Bolt in the two lower bolts and don’t forget the washer plate. Tighten these bolts to
Remove the end link and bushing clamp from each side of the factory sway bar. Slide the factory bar out. Coat the new bar’s bushings with silicone grease to keep it from squeaking.
Remove the end link and bushing clamp from each side of the factory sway bar. Slide the fa

Use a second set of hands to hold the new bar in place while you line up the crossmember clamps and finger-tighten the bolts. Leave the bolts loose enough to rotate the bar so you can line it up with the new end links.
Use a second set of hands to hold the new bar in place while you line up the crossmember c
The Suspension Techniques end-link pieces (left) are adjustable. Use the adjuster to get the sway bar parallel to the ground until you can get the car to an alignment shop. Tighten the crossmember clamps to factory specs.
The Suspension Techniques end-link pieces (left) are adjustable. Use the adjuster to get t

As this photo shows, the new end links don’t leave a lot of extra thread. To get the bolt started, you may have to compress the front suspension by lifting the car up at its wheels with a ramp or jack.
As this photo shows, the new end links don’t leave a lot of extra thread. To get the
Remove the brake-line bracket from the rear strut. Loosen the two lower strut nuts. The top nut is located close to the rear caliper and will be difficult to loosen with anything but an open-end wrench. Do not remove the bolts yet.
Remove the brake-line bracket from the rear strut. Loosen the two lower strut nuts. The to

Open the trunk and pull back the trunk liner. Remove the four nuts from the top of the strut. You should also pull off the center boot, which covers the adjustable Koni shocks, to prevent it from getting lost.
Open the trunk and pull back the trunk liner. Remove the four nuts from the top of the str
Remove the lower nuts and the bolt bracket, and tap out the lower bolts with a chisel or screw driver. These bolts are grooved, so trying to spin them out will not work and may damage them.
Remove the lower nuts and the bolt bracket, and tap out the lower bolts with a chisel or s

For our project Super Neon, we skipped right over the typical first step (wheels and tires) and went directly to the suspension. Don't worry, though, we have a killer combination of rolling stock lined up for our next installment.

In the meantime, we had handling guru Jeff Biane of Suspension Techniques install a set of powdercoated springs and bars that gave our already-nimble Neon a truly sports-car feel. The springs also resulted in about a 1-inch drop that should accent the future wheel/tire and body-kit design nicely.

We'll detail our Neon's upgrade here, but remember that Suspension Techniques offers a wide range of performance parts for many import and domestic vehicles. All kits come with easy-to-follow instructions and, with the exception of a spring compressor, don't require exotic tools or special skills.

Follow along as we begin the process of turning one of today's hottest-selling daily drivers into a weekend road racer.