Upgrading the front springs on your Honda Acty kei truck is one of the most practical modifications you can make—whether you’re looking to improve ride comfort, increase ground clearance, or handle heavier loads. These small but mighty trucks can benefit big-time from a suspension refresh. If you're planning to swap out your front springs, here are some essential tips to help you do it right.
???? 1. Know Your Acty Model Before You Buy
The Honda Acty has several generations and body codes:
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HA3 / HA4 – 1990s models with carbureted or EFI engines
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HA6 / HA7 – Later fuel-injected versions with updated suspension
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HH – Van variants with slightly different suspension geometry
???? Why it matters: Spring dimensions, strut designs, and mounting hardware may differ slightly between these models. Always confirm compatibility before purchasing parts.
???? 2. Choose Between OEM Replacement or Lift Springs
Not all front spring upgrades are the same. You have two main options:
✅ OEM-Style Springs
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Maintain factory ride height and comfort
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Ideal for daily driving and light-duty use
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Easiest to install with no additional mods
???? Lift Springs (1–2 inches)
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Provide more ground clearance
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Let you fit slightly larger tires
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Best for off-road use, trail work, or utility hauling
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May require additional alignment corrections
⚠️ 3. Safety First: Use a Quality Spring Compressor
When removing the strut assembly, you’ll need to compress the coil spring safely. Always:
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Use a reputable spring compressor
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Compress both sides evenly
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Wear safety gloves and goggles
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Never try to remove a compressed spring by hand or without tools
???? Tip: Never skip this step—coil springs can be dangerous when mishandled.
???? 4. Inspect Other Suspension Components
While you’re in there, take advantage of the access:
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Check strut mounts and bushings
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Inspect shocks/struts for leaks or wear
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Look for cracked control arm bushings or tired ball joints
???? If your shocks are old, it’s smart to upgrade them alongside your new springs for a better ride and improved longevity.
???? 5. Don’t Forget the Wheel Alignment
Even small ride height changes affect your toe and camber angles. After upgrading springs, always:
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Get a professional 4-wheel alignment
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Check camber settings—especially on lifted setups
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Consider adjustable camber bolts if needed
???? Skipping alignment can lead to uneven tire wear, poor steering feel, and reduced safety.
???? 6. Torque Everything to Spec
During reassembly, be sure to:
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Follow factory torque specifications for all bolts (especially the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts)
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Re-torque your lug nuts after 50–100 km of driving
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Use anti-seize or thread locker where needed
???? 7. Match Spring Rate to Your Needs
Use Case | Recommended Setup |
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Factory Feel | OEM springs + stock shocks |
Mild Off-Road or Lift | 1–1.5" lift springs + gas shocks |
Heavy Load/Utility | HD springs + uprated shocks |
Too stiff? You'll feel every bump. Too soft? Your load capacity suffers. Choose based on how you use your truck.
???? 8. Consider the Whole Suspension System
Springs are just one piece of the puzzle. If your Acty has:
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Clunking or bouncing – replace shocks too
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Wandering steering – check tie rods and alignment
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Uneven tire wear – likely an alignment or camber issue
Doing everything at once may cost more, but it saves time and improves the overall result.
???? Final Thoughts
A front spring upgrade can transform how your Honda Acty drives—especially if your old springs are sagging or if you're modifying it for off-road or work use. Whether you're lifting your truck or restoring its factory stance, the right approach ensures a smoother ride, safer handling, and better load performance.
Take your time, follow safety procedures, and enjoy the upgrade!
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