So, you’ve joined the Acty club. Whether you picked up your Honda Acty as a practical work truck, a fun off-road project, or just something cool and different, congratulations—you’re now the proud owner of one of the most capable and underrated vehicles on the road (and off it).
But if you’re still riding around in a completely stock Acty, you’re only seeing a fraction of what it’s capable of. With the right upgrades—especially those from Oiwa Garage, known for designing premium, Acty-specific parts—you can transform your kei truck into a machine that’s tougher, more versatile, and way more fun.
The big question is: Where do you start? That’s what this guide is all about. Whether you’re just beginning your build or looking to prioritize the next phase of upgrades, here’s your deep-dive into the essential first mods—ranked by impact, practicality, and ease of install.
🚀 1. Start with the Lift: Ground Clearance is Everything
🔧 Oiwa 2″ Lift Kit with Heavy-Duty Springs
The absolute first mod we recommend is the Oiwa 2-inch lift kit. This simple upgrade makes a huge difference in what your Acty can do. It gives you better ground clearance for off-road trails, rough work sites, and uneven terrain, and allows for the installation of bigger tires (more on that next). More clearance also means fewer worries about bottoming out or scraping your undercarriage on obstacles.
The Oiwa kit includes heavy-duty springs that improve both ride comfort and load-bearing capacity, especially when carrying tools, gear, or even a roof-top tent setup.
Why upgrade it first? Because it’s the base for everything else. Once you’re lifted, your options for wheels, tires, and protection open up in a big way.
Install difficulty: Easy to moderate (bolt-on design)
Best for: All Acty owners, especially 4WD models
🛞 2. Get a Grip: Tire & Wheel Upgrade
🛞 23×8-12 All-Terrain Tires + Lightweight Wheels
Once you’ve installed the lift kit, the next natural step is upgrading your tires. The stock ones are narrow, hard, and not particularly suited for off-road use or rough terrain. Oiwa’s 23×8-12 all-terrain setup is designed to work perfectly with their lift kits, eliminating clearance issues while significantly boosting traction, control, and overall appearance.
Whether you’re heading into the woods, driving in snow, or just want a more planted feel on gravel roads, this is one of the most instantly noticeable upgrades you can make.
Pro tip: Choose a tire with a moderate tread pattern if you’re still doing some city driving. You’ll avoid road noise while still getting that off-road confidence.
Install difficulty: Easy (especially with pre-mounted kits)
Best for: Trail builds, farm trucks, daily drivers
🛡️ 3. Protect Your Undercarriage: Skid Plate & Bull Bar Combo
🛡 Front Skid Plate + Bull Bar from Oiwa
Even on stock suspension, the Acty rides low—and when you start exploring uneven ground or aggressive terrain, that oil pan, radiator, and front suspension are exposed to rocks, branches, and other hazards.
Oiwa’s skid plate and bull bar combo is designed to bolt directly onto the Acty frame, giving you a lightweight but incredibly strong shield. It’s a must for off-road builds, but even daily drivers benefit from the protection—and the tough, custom look it adds up front.
Bonus: The bull bar doubles as a mount point for future lights or winches.
Install difficulty: Easy (no cutting or welding)
Best for: Anyone who leaves paved roads (or wants to)
⚙️ 4. Next-Level Traction: Rear Differential Locker (4WD Models)
⚙ Rear Diff Locking Kit
This mod is often overlooked—but if you have a 4WD Acty, it could be one of the most important upgrades you ever install. A rear diff locker forces both rear wheels to turn at the same speed, which means that when one wheel starts slipping in mud, snow, or sand, the other keeps driving forward.
The result? Incredible off-road traction and much better control in tricky conditions. It’s ideal for trail explorers, farmers, snow country drivers, or anyone who doesn’t want to get stuck.
Think of it as a cheat code for slippery conditions.
Install difficulty: Moderate (mechanical experience helpful)
Best for: 4WD Actys used off-road or in tough weather
💡 5. See Better: Lighting Upgrades
🔦 LED Headlight & Fog Light Conversion
Honda Actys weren’t exactly built with nighttime adventure in mind. The stock halogen bulbs are dim and outdated, and most don’t handle rain, fog, or forest trails well.
Oiwa offers a variety of LED headlight and fog light upgrades that fit the Acty’s original housings. They’re plug-and-play, ultra-bright, and energy efficient—plus they dramatically modernize the look of your truck.
Bonus: Add an amber fog light kit for snow and dust visibility.
Install difficulty: Very easy
Best for: All drivers—trail or street
💺 6. Boost Comfort & Utility Inside the Cab
🧰 Utility Console + USB Charging + Seat Pad Upgrade
The Acty’s cab is small—there’s no denying it. But with a few smart upgrades, you can turn it into a comfortable, highly functional cockpit.
Oiwa’s utility console kit adds cup holders, small item storage, and USB charging ports, making daily driving and trail navigation way easier. Pair that with memory foam seat cushions, and suddenly your 30-year-old kei truck feels way more modern.
These small mods have a huge day-to-day impact.
Install difficulty: Very easy (no tools required for most)
Best for: Every single Acty driver
🧲 7. Optional: Winch Mount & Recovery Kit
🧲 Compact Winch Setup for the Acty
This one’s not for everyone—but if you’re taking your Acty on solo off-road runs or into remote areas, a winch is essential recovery gear. Oiwa’s winch mount system is specifically sized for the Acty—lightweight, powerful, and discreet.
It’s the kind of mod you hope you never need… until you really, really do.
Remember: Recovery gear is peace of mind, especially for solo adventurers.
Install difficulty: Moderate
Best for: Off-road and overland builds
📦 Bonus Mods: Honorable Mentions
- Tail Light Relocation Bracket – Great for lifted trucks that carry rear racks or oversized tires.
- Roof or Bed Racks – Perfect for gear, recovery tools, or rooftop tents.
- Overhead Storage Panels – Add cargo space in the cab.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Build It Your Way—But Build It Smart
Upgrading a Honda Acty is one of the most rewarding projects you can take on. With its simplicity, size, and surprising versatility, it’s easy to build a rig that fits exactly what you want—whether that’s trail exploration, farm work, overlanding, or just having something no one else on your street is driving.
Start with the essentials: lift, tires, protection, and comfort. Then expand your build based on your terrain, weather, and driving goals. And thanks to Oiwa Garage’s precision-made parts, every upgrade feels like it was made just for your truck—because it was.
Want help choosing your first three upgrades?
Drop your Acty’s year, model, and whether it’s 2WD or 4WD—I’ll send you a personalized starter pack of Oiwa essentials to get your build rolling the right way.
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