If you own a Honda Acty Mini Truck, you know just how capable and versatile this tiny workhorse is. But like many kei trucks, the factory suspension can sometimes feel a bit soft or saggy—especially when carrying heavier loads or navigating rough terrain. Upgrading the front springs is a popular and effective way to improve ride height, handling, and load capacity.
In this post, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step guide to upgrading the front springs on your Honda Acty Mini Truck. Whether you’re looking for a slight lift for better clearance or just want to replace worn-out springs, this guide has you covered.
Why Upgrade the Front Springs?
Upgrading your front springs can provide several benefits:
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Increased Ride Height: Perfect for tackling uneven roads or fitting larger tires.
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Improved Load Handling: Stronger springs help maintain vehicle stability under heavier loads.
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Enhanced Ride Quality: Replace old, sagging springs for better comfort and control.
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Customization: Lift kits or aftermarket springs let you personalize your Acty’s stance and performance.
What You’ll Need
Before you start, make sure you have these tools and parts:
Tools:
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Floor jack and sturdy jack stands
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Wheel chocks
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Lug wrench
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Socket set (commonly 10-19mm)
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Breaker bar
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Spring compressor (essential for safety)
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Torque wrench
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Penetrating oil (like WD-40)
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Pry bar or rubber mallet (optional)
Parts:
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Replacement front coil springs (OEM or aftermarket lift springs)
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Optional: new strut mounts, bushings, or shocks for a complete upgrade
Step-by-Step Installation
1. Prepare Your Workspace
Park your Acty on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels to prevent rolling. Loosen the front lug nuts slightly but do not remove them yet.
2. Lift the Front of the Truck
Use a floor jack to raise the front end, then securely support the truck on jack stands. Remove the front wheels to access the suspension components.
3. Remove the Front Strut Assembly
Open the hood and locate the three nuts securing the upper strut mount. Spray penetrating oil on all bolts and nuts if rust is present.
Next, remove the lower bolts attaching the strut to the steering knuckle. Carefully remove the upper nuts from the strut tower and pull out the entire strut assembly.
4. Replace the Coil Springs
Use a spring compressor to safely compress the coil spring. Once compressed, remove the top strut nut and detach the top mount. Remove the old spring, then install the new spring ensuring it is seated correctly on the spring perch. Reassemble the top mount and secure the nut.
5. Reinstall the Strut Assembly
Position the strut assembly back into the engine bay and loosely install the upper nuts. Attach the strut to the steering knuckle and torque the bolts to manufacturer specifications. Then, tighten the upper nuts securely.
6. Finish Up
Reinstall the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Carefully lower the truck back onto the ground and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to the proper specifications.
After Installation Tips
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Test Drive: Take your Acty for a gentle test drive to listen for any unusual noises and to feel the improved suspension.
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Wheel Alignment: Always schedule a professional wheel alignment after suspension upgrades to prevent uneven tire wear and ensure safe handling.
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Inspect Other Components: Use this opportunity to check strut mounts, bushings, and shocks for wear and replace them if necessary.
Safety Reminders
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Always use a spring compressor when working with coil springs—springs store a lot of energy and can be dangerous if handled improperly.
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Make sure the vehicle is safely supported on jack stands before working underneath.
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Follow manufacturer torque specs to avoid component failure.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading the front springs on your Honda Acty Mini Truck is a straightforward way to boost performance, ride quality, and versatility. Whether you’re hauling heavy loads, exploring rough terrain, or just want that lifted look, new springs can make a big difference.
If you’re considering upgrading your springs and want recommendations on brands or lift heights, feel free to reach out or comment below!