At Oiwa Garage, we’ve seen it all — from slammed street cruisers to wild, trail-ready Kei trucks. But one mod that always gets people talking? Lifting the Honda Acty. Whether you’re looking for better clearance, beefier tires, or just a more aggressive stance, a properly lifted Acty can punch way above its size.
Here’s how to lift your Honda Acty like a pro — no guesswork, no sketchy shortcuts.
1. Know Your Acty Before You Wrench
Before anything else, figure out what version of the Acty you’re working with. This matters more than you might think.
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HA3/HA4 (older models): Carbureted, more basic suspension setups
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HA6/HA7 (newer models): EFI, updated components, better parts availability
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2WD or 4WD? This affects lift options and driveline geometry
👉 Pro tip: Check your VIN plate and axle layout before ordering any parts.
2. Pick the Right Lift Kit for Your Goals
Lifting isn’t one-size-fits-all. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options:
🔹 Spacer Lift Kits (1–2 inches)
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Most common
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Easy to install
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Budget-friendly
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Works well for street builds or light off-road use
🔹 Full Suspension Lifts
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Involves new shocks, springs, possibly control arms
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Better ride quality & more flex
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Ideal for serious off-roading
👉 Oiwa Tip: Stick to a max of 2” lift unless you’re ready to modify brake lines, driveshaft angles, and more.
3. What Else Needs Upgrading When You Lift
Lifting a mini truck isn’t just about bolting on spacers and calling it a day. You’ll want to check and possibly upgrade:
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CV Axles – Lifting puts more angle on these. Keep an eye out for clicking or binding.
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Brake Lines – Might need extensions if you’re going beyond 2 inches.
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Shocks – Longer shocks = better ride and handling
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Alignment – After lifting, your camber and toe will be off. Get it professionally dialed in.
4. Wheels & Tires: Go Bigger, But Be Smart
With a lift, you can finally swap out those tiny stock tires — but don’t go too crazy.
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13″–14″ wheels fit great with a mild lift
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Ideal tire sizes: 175/70R13, 185/60R14, or 195/60R14
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Be prepared to trim fenders if you push the size limits
👉 Want that off-road look? All-terrain tires look sick and grip well, but they’re heavier — make sure your engine can handle the load.
5. Test, Adjust, Repeat
First ride after the lift? Go slow.
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Listen for any rubbing, clunks, or weird drivetrain noises
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Test suspension travel over curbs or speed bumps
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Check CV joints after a few days of driving — better safe than sorry
6. Next-Level Add-Ons (Optional but Awesome)
Want to go all-in? These extras will take your lifted Acty from good to legendary:
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Skid plates for underbody protection
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LED light bars for trail visibility
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Roof racks or cargo baskets for utility
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Mini winch or tow hooks if you’re getting into deep trail territory
Final Thoughts from Oiwa Garage
Lifting your Honda Acty opens up a whole new world of style, function, and fun. But like any proper build, it’s all about the details. Plan your lift right, get quality parts, and don’t cheap out on the small stuff.
If you ever get stuck, need parts, or want your Acty dialed in professionally — hit up Oiwa Garage. We build these things every day, and we’ll help you get it done right.
Questions? Builds you want featured? Drop us a comment or tag @OiwaGarage on Instagram — we love seeing what the Kei community is building.
