However, for owners looking to improve their truck’s performance, especially for off-road use or for handling heavier loads, upgrading the suspension system is a key modification. The factory-installed suspension on the Honda Acty truck is reliable, but it's designed primarily for city and light-duty driving. With the right upgrades, you can enhance its ride comfort, handling, and overall capability.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about upgrading the suspension system on your Honda Acty truck, from the different components involved to the best practices for installation and maintenance.
Why Upgrade the Suspension on a Honda Acty Truck?
Before diving into the technical details, it's essential to understand the benefits of upgrading your suspension system. Here’s why many Honda Acty truck owners opt for suspension modifications:
Improved Ride Comfort: A better suspension setup can significantly smooth out bumps and potholes, especially if you frequently drive on rough or uneven terrain.
Enhanced Off-Road Capability: If you plan to use your Honda Acty truck for off-roading, upgrading to a more robust suspension can help you handle trails and uneven surfaces more effectively.
Increased Load Capacity: A stock suspension may struggle with heavy loads. With stronger springs and dampers, you can carry heavier cargo without sacrificing ride quality or vehicle stability.
Better Handling: Upgraded suspension components, such as shock absorbers and springs, can improve handling by reducing body roll during cornering and maintaining better control during sharp turns.
Customization for Aesthetics or Functionality: Some Honda Acty truck owners upgrade their suspension for purely aesthetic reasons, like raising the vehicle’s height for a more aggressive stance. Others might lower it for improved handling or fuel efficiency on city roads.
Components of a Suspension System
To properly upgrade the suspension of your Honda Acty truck, it's crucial to understand the various components that make up the system. Each part plays a unique role in how the truck handles and absorbs road impacts.
Springs: Springs are responsible for supporting the weight of the vehicle and absorbing impacts from bumps and uneven roads. Coil springs are common in the front, while leaf springs are often found in the rear.
Shock Absorbers (Dampers): Shock absorbers control the rebound of the springs, ensuring that the vehicle doesn’t bounce excessively after hitting a bump. Upgraded shocks provide better control, especially during off-road driving or when carrying heavy loads.
Struts: Struts are a combination of a shock absorber and a spring in one unit. Many modern vehicles, including the Honda Acty, use struts in the front suspension. They play a significant role in the vehicle’s handling and ride quality.
Control Arms: Control arms connect the suspension to the chassis of the vehicle. They help manage the up-and-down movement of the wheels while keeping them aligned with the frame.
Bushings and Ball Joints: These small components may seem insignificant, but they are critical for smooth and noise-free operation of your suspension system. Worn-out bushings or ball joints can cause rattling, instability, and poor handling.
Types of Suspension Upgrades for the Honda Acty Truck
When upgrading the suspension on your Honda Acty truck, you have several options, each designed to meet specific performance goals. Here are the most common types of upgrades:
1. Upgraded Coil Springs
Coil springs are essential for controlling the ride height and weight-bearing capacity of your Honda Acty truck. Upgrading to heavy-duty coil springs can give your truck more support when carrying heavy loads. For off-road use, consider lift springs, which increase the ground clearance of your vehicle. This modification allows you to tackle tougher terrain without damaging the undercarriage.
Coilover kits, which include adjustable coil springs and shocks, allow you to fine-tune the ride height and handling characteristics of your truck. These kits offer a customizable solution for those who want to balance off-road and city driving.
2. Shock Absorbers (Heavy-Duty Shocks)
Stock shock absorbers are often not sufficient for heavy-duty or off-road use. Upgrading to heavy-duty shock absorbers will significantly improve your Honda Acty truck’s handling and stability, especially on uneven terrain. Look for gas-charged or hydraulic shocks for enhanced performance.
If you plan on carrying heavy loads frequently, adjustable shocks are an excellent choice. These allow you to adjust the damping based on the weight of your cargo or the terrain you're driving on.
3. Leaf Spring Upgrades
The rear suspension of the Honda Acty truck typically uses leaf springs. Upgrading to stronger or additional leaf springs can increase the truck’s load-carrying capacity. This is particularly useful if you use your Honda Acty for hauling goods or off-road excursions where the terrain is rough, and the load-bearing requirements are higher.
You can also add a "helper" spring, which comes into play when the truck is loaded heavily, providing extra support without compromising ride comfort when the truck is lightly loaded.
4. Lift Kits
For those looking to take their Honda Acty truck off-road or simply want a more aggressive stance, a lift kit is a popular choice. Lift kits raise the body of the truck, increasing ground clearance. This upgrade is especially useful for navigating rocky or uneven terrain and allows for larger tires, which can further improve off-road performance.
A lift kit typically includes upgraded springs, shocks, and control arms designed to handle the new ride height. Be mindful, however, that significant changes to ride height may affect the vehicle's center of gravity, which can impact handling and stability on paved roads.
5. Performance Bushings and Ball Joints
Upgrading the bushings and ball joints in your suspension system can improve the precision of your Honda Acty truck’s steering and handling. Performance bushings, made from materials like polyurethane, offer greater durability than the stock rubber bushings. These can help reduce body roll and provide more direct feedback from the road.
Similarly, high-performance ball joints can improve the articulation of the suspension, leading to better wheel alignment and stability, particularly when navigating uneven terrain.
Best Suspension Brands for Honda Acty Trucks
When it comes to upgrading the suspension on your Honda Acty truck, choosing the right components from reputable manufacturers is crucial. Here are some brands that are known for producing high-quality suspension parts:
Bilstein: Known for their superior shock absorbers, Bilstein offers a range of products designed for off-road and heavy-duty applications.
KYB: KYB shocks and struts are a popular choice for both daily driving and performance-oriented upgrades. Their products are known for durability and comfort.
Old Man Emu (OME): OME produces lift kits and suspension components designed for off-road vehicles. If you’re looking to transform your Honda Acty truck into an off-road machine, their kits are worth considering.
Tough Dog: Another brand specializing in off-road suspension, Tough Dog offers a range of heavy-duty shocks, springs, and accessories that can handle extreme conditions.
SuperPro: SuperPro offers performance bushings and suspension components that improve handling and reduce wear over time. Their polyurethane bushings are ideal for performance applications.
Installation Tips for Suspension Upgrades
Installing a suspension upgrade can be a complex process, especially if you’re lifting your truck or making significant changes to the suspension geometry. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Consult a Professional: If you’re unfamiliar with suspension work, it's wise to consult a mechanic who has experience with Honda Acty trucks. Suspension upgrades, particularly those involving a lift, can affect the alignment and handling of your vehicle, which requires precise adjustments.
Check Compatibility: Always make sure that the parts you purchase are compatible with your specific model and year of the Honda Acty truck. Some components may require additional modifications to fit correctly.
Don’t Neglect Alignment: After upgrading your suspension, it's essential to get a professional alignment. Incorrect alignment can lead to uneven tire wear and poor handling, especially after installing a lift kit.
Test the Vehicle: After installation, test the vehicle on different terrains and with varying loads to ensure the new suspension system performs as expected. Make adjustments to the shocks or coilovers as necessary for optimal performance.
Conclusion
Upgrading the suspension system on your Honda Acty truck is an excellent way to improve its performance, whether you’re using it for off-roading, hauling heavy loads, or simply driving around town. With the right combination of upgraded springs, shocks, and bushings, you can tailor your truck's suspension to meet your specific needs.
By choosing high-quality components and following best practices for installation, your Honda Acty truck will be ready to tackle whatever challenges lie ahead, providing a smoother, more controlled ride both on and off the road.
