Honda Acty Front Suspension Upgrade Guide

The Honda Acty is one of the most iconic kei trucks ever produced. Known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and compact size, it’s the go-to choice for many rural workers, urban delivery drivers, and JDM enthusiasts alike. But no matter how well-built a vehicle is, time and mileage take a toll—especially on the suspension.

If your Acty is feeling bouncy, unstable in turns, or just plain uncomfortable over rough roads, chances are your front suspension needs some attention. The good news? Restoring or upgrading your front suspension isn’t as difficult as you might think—and the results are well worth the effort.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about improving your Honda Acty’s front suspension, from recognizing worn components to choosing the right parts and installing them yourself.

🚗 Why Bother With a Front Suspension Upgrade?

The front suspension of your Honda Acty is responsible for supporting the weight of the engine, absorbing road impacts, and maintaining contact between your tires and the ground. When suspension components wear out, you may notice:

• Increased body roll in corners

• Nose-diving when braking

• A harsh or bouncy ride over bumps

• Uneven tire wear

• Poor alignment or steering response

• Clunking or squeaking noises

Worn front suspension not only affects comfort but also compromises safety and handling. A simple upgrade—like new coil springs and shocks—can dramatically enhance ride quality and driving confidence.

🧩 Understanding the Honda Acty’s Front Suspension

Most Honda Acty models use a MacPherson strut-style front suspension. This setup combines the coil spring, shock absorber (strut), and top mount into one assembly. It’s compact, cost-effective, and relatively easy to work on.

Key Suspension Components:

• Coil Spring: Supports vehicle weight and sets ride height.

• Strut/Shock: Controls spring movement and provides damping.

• Strut Mount: Isolates vibrations and allows steering rotation.

• Control Arms & Bushings: Connect suspension to the frame, allowing controlled motion.

• Ball Joints & Tie Rods: Allow for wheel articulation and steering input.

If one or more of these parts are worn or damaged, your vehicle’s ride and handling will suffer.

🔎 When to Replace Your Front Suspension

You don’t need to wait for complete failure. Here are signs that your front suspension needs work:

• Truck leans forward or rides too low in the front

• Visible sagging or uneven ride height

• Tires show feathering or cupping wear

• Suspension bottoms out over small bumps

• Vehicle sways excessively during turns

• Unusual noises from the front over uneven roads

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, a front suspension overhaul is likely due.

🧰 What You’ll Need

Tools:

• Floor jack and jack stands

• Socket and ratchet set (10mm–19mm)

• Breaker bar

• Torque wrench

• Spring compressor (must-have!)

• Penetrating oil

• Pry bar (optional)

• Gloves and safety goggles

Recommended Parts:

• New front coil springs

• New struts/shocks

• Replacement strut mounts and bearings

• Optional: new bushings, ball joints, tie rods

🔧 Tip: Replace both sides at the same time for balanced handling.