Dodge neon 2.0/ 3 speed Auto/ Carry

**Little Digger** · 08-13-2011, 03:59 PM

I have had this truck for 4 years and love it. but have wanted more power. A set of Mattracks found a home here the first year I had the truck. Boy I need more power. Well after this last winter I had to do something. Here in Utah I ride the mountain roads and trails, 7,000 ft + elevation, killer on the little 660 engine. Then add tracks in the winter and good luck any thing over 10 mph. I am a rock crawler [JEEPS] and have seen a few buggys with transaxle mid engines. So I looked for a low profile engine. A transmission shop had a 95 neon that the owner did not pay the repair bill. So for 200 bucks I had a start for the carry. Well I gutted the truck, thought I killed it this time! I mounted the engine as far to the rear as I thought driveline angles would allow. Two 85 CJ5s gave the front axles, [junk in the back yard]. The rear axle was turned pinon forward flipped over [upside down] axle tubes cut and the center moved to the left side, axle tubes turned to aline the inner cs. Diff was welded and new seals, joints in place. The carry rear leaves were set inboard the frame and axle mounted. The rear drive line was made from the neon drive axle and the CJ front drive line, both were cut. The drive axle slid into the CJ tube and welded. The CJ rear axle park brake guts fit the front brake backing plates and with a little fab the neon cables used to tie into the stock brake handle. The rear end made me lose a lot of sleep. The front axle was alot less work, axle was flipped over [upside down] and the inner cs cut and turned then welded. Front CJ5 leaves were used. Seven leaves, some cut to give the right ride. The front drive line was made from the neon cv drive cup and the CJ rear axle pinon yoke, some cutting and welding, then the CJ rear drive line was used, [stock]. The transaxle diff was then welded. Front steering is full hydro, single ended ram/ orbital valve, using the neon steering pump. The rear steer is also single ended ram/ hand valve, the carry transfercase shifter was used to locate the valve behind the cab using the stock cable. Next up wheels @ tires, some 7"x16" cross bar tires on black spoke wheels. And the truck lives !! I have 200 hard miles on it now. POWER more than it needs, gearing is a little low, 2500 rpm @ 18 mph, kinda slow on the main gravel road but on the narrow two track roads and trails it is right. This thing WILL clime a tree at idle !!! The ac works so much better, it has the power to use it for more than an engine brake going down hill !! And the steering what can i say POWER !! and the rear steer, too cool It will go AROUND trees and rocks, and the ability to go side ways, well who knew ya needed it, well ya do! All said and done [more to do like all projects]it has been worth it. 3 months work [weekends and after work] $ 2,000.00 in parts, five wheels and tires included. Not bad for this kind of up grade. Well what ya think ???? Keep On Truckin Boys!!!

**Little Digger** · 08-13-2011, 04:13 PM

These are cellphone pix, hope they work.

**Little Digger** · 08-13-2011, 04:28 PM

Here are some more.

**erixun** · 08-13-2011, 06:23 PM

One word..... AWESOME! I will have to come down and look you up, or get you to go wheelin some time!!!! Nice Post, and nice job. I would love to see your truck in person!

Action shots.....

**Little Digger** · 08-13-2011, 09:09 PM

Thanks, its good to see some one in Utah has and uses these truck's. Keep in mind I built the truck mostly from things around my yard. The neon, two CJs, an old grader, and the old scrap pile of steel. And not much for tools, o ya the dirt floor shed is a lot of fun too! It turned out better than I thought it would. Like i said I thought I killed it at the start. Hell ya lets get together and go for a ride. [ Just remember I am a slow poke till I get some taller gears! ].

**TRAX and HORNS** · 08-13-2011, 09:49 PM

I just came through Utah couple of weeks ago. Was up at Yellowstone and Glacier. Next time I'll take a mini truck. Still a ton of snow. Couldnt believe it.

**Little Digger** · 08-13-2011, 10:11 PM

Ya we got a lot of snow this year too. Most of it has melted. The mountain roads were fun this spring, I had to hurry to finish my truck to get up there. I love the high country in spring and fall. I love Yellowstone too, I need to go see it soon.

**fupabox** · 08-13-2011, 10:50 PM

excellent job...love it

**greg0187** · 08-14-2011, 09:22 AM

Sweet! Thats quite an accomplishment! The payoff is worth it in the end. Are you using the stock radiator/location?

I have 3.08 gears and mine will crawl anything I point it at, and it has good top end.

Congrats!
-Greg

**Little Digger** · 08-14-2011, 12:41 PM

greg Yes, the stock radiator is working out for me, there is a temp sensor in the radiator for the fan. The neon computer has the wires for the fan too, but I didn't use them. It is low geared. [ trans. 1.1 transaxle 2.89 axle 4.27 tire diam. 30" ] 17.48 mph @ 2500 rpm. I am going to change to 3.08s But I need to change out the diff. What rpm / speed are you with 3.08s ? I have looked at your build, looks good !! wish I had the funds to link mine. How do you like your lockers? Have you got it weighed yet? I am at 2,058 lbs / spare tire and tools. It's almost balanced front to rear, the front is 60 lbs over. What rate are your coilovers ? Just got back from a 60 mile ride, and love the power, the steep grades are no problem at all, its kinda fun to punch it and hall the mail up the mountain. O and thanks, your build kept me going hard to finish mine.

**greg0187** · 08-16-2011, 07:19 AM

Yeah. Mine is a blast. The gearing is low but for me its not too low. The shift points in mine are stiff, especiallly from 1 to 2nd, so it would be nice to have a CVT or something.

What rpm / speed are you with 3.08s?

I haven't checked. I actually have 3.31s. I was paced at speed of about 30mph @3500-4000rpm. I will have to check to get a more official number with my gps.

How do you like your lockers?

The lockers are great! Im actually really impressed. I can't tell they are even in there. However I do not have my transaxle diff welded yet so it may be a different story when thats done.

Have you got it weighed yet?

Nope.

What rate are your coilovers ?

They are 8" travel with 16" springs. Front is 200lbs and rear are 125lbs.

**Little Digger** · 08-16-2011, 07:38 PM

greg Thats funny, my 2nd to 3rd shift makes ya glad for the little head rest's that GARD the back window. lol

**Little Digger** · 08-16-2011, 09:07 PM

More pix. 41's on the Jeep

**greg0187** · 08-26-2011, 07:29 PM

You get some impressive articulation with those leafs. Im impressed!

**Little Digger** · 08-28-2011, 05:38 PM

Thank's Greg, the front leaves have been a work in progress for week's, I just haven't been happy with the ride, changing spring length's. A torque arm had to be made. you know the problem's of a lite spring pack and spring over axles. Finding the right shock is the problem now. All the ones that have the right travel are just to stiff. I am thinking of somehow inboarding them, still thinking on that one. How are you coming with your truck? I have to get some armor going on before I get into trouble. Thinking exocage, but i am not good bending pipe.