Aspire Swap.

[91mcnasty]

Didnt plan on starting so soon but gotta do what ya gotta do. ill have a lift and air, anybody got any advice?
I think im just going to use the aspire tie rod ends and where should i disconnect the rear brake lines at? i noticed that theres a couple different points you could disconnect them.

[Safety Guy]

If you already have Aspire tie rod ends, fine, but if not, I'd get '92 to '95 Escort ends for cheaper.

If you haven't removed an Aspire rear axle yet, you could remove the hoses at the body where they hook into the hard lines, especially if you want to use the old Aspire hoses (I'd get new hoses unless they look relatively new).

If you'll get new hoses, you could disconnect the old ones on the axle itself.

You'll want to use Aspire brake hoses front and rear to fit right into the front brakes (banjo bolt extensions are slightly different lengths between Festiva and Aspire) and in the Aspire brake line brackets.

If you use Festiva front struts, you might have to ziptie the hoses at the brackets if you use Aspire hoses. I'd go with Aspire or '01 to '02 Rio front struts. (FYI, nothing from the Rio rears fits as far as we know.)

I'd go with new Monroe Aspire spec rear struts, to provide more tire clearance in back. (KYB no longer makes true Aspire spec struts.)

If you use Aspire springs, I'd start with cutting them one coil in front and 1/2 coil in back to see how you like the ride height. If you want to haul loads, don't cut the rear springs at all.

I'm convinced from my experience that rear Aspire and Festiva springs are the same. Aspire ones will be newer, though, and if you can get them, lower mileage.

Use a lot of PB Blaster on all disconnections before you start. Doing this a couple days or even a week ahead of time may be a good idea, depending on how much corrosion you have.

While you have everything apart, it's a good time to check other suspension parts for wear (especially the control arm/ball joints!).

Allow a good week or so to do this, in order not to rush and to do it right. If you are already an accomplished mechanic, then a weekend should do it. Always expect some kind of holdup beforehand so you aren't disillusioned.

I've done three of these swaps so far. Some pics can be found at my Aqua build here:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31934

Good luck! You won't be disappointed in this mod. It's great!

Karl

[91mcnasty]

I purchased an entire aspire so I got the ends off of it. all bolts that were being removed were sprayed three days ago and last night so I should be good there. I'm also using the aspire struts all the way around and I don't plan to cut the spring because I plan on putting some 15's on it soon thanks for the advice!!!

[htchbck]

Karl pretty much covered it! I will add though that unless you know the tie rods ends are fairly new, I'd go ahead and replace them with the escort ones like Karl said. You'll have them off the car anyway, so why not go ahead and do what you can to prevent a potentially dangerous failure down the road. Just my $0.02

[91mcnasty]

honestly they look almost brand new or i would replace them. and any advice is appreciated, i have all friday night and saturday too do it so hopefully i wont have any major problems!

[htchbck]

One thing is, before you jack up the fronts, don't forget to loosen the axle nuts. Much easier and safer to do this on the ground rather than on stands with someone inside the car stomping the brakes when you're going at it with the breaker bar. And to do the job right, get NEW axle nuts before you start if you can. Rather than reusing the old ones. After being staked and unstaked a couple times they start loosing their ability to work right.

[91mcnasty]

ill definantely remember that!!!!

[getnpsi]

Ive pulled axles on so many cars and still forget to loosen the nut while on the ground and together. Sometimes the brakes are off the car already because I think I'm on a roll pun not intended.

[gauge_half_inch]

I've done 2 aspire swaps, how far from Indy are ya? I may be able to lend some assistance.

[91mcnasty]

I got it all pulled apart motor/tranny, all the necessary suspension stuff,gas tank,and just some misc. Parts. started at 7:45 and got done cleaning up at 11:15 so it took about three and a half hours. Not bad for my first aspire dissassembly I guess, the lift and air tools were so nice to have!!!
Only a couple bolts gave me troubles but none broke thanks to my friend PB blaster.
Tommorow the real fun begins, getting it all onto the Festy wish me luck
I only have One question, when I put the aspire sway bar on my car do I need to use the aspire brackets or are they the same??
I'm about an hour from Indy.

[ckiesman]

I used the original festiva brackets when i just did mine, and it fit.

[91mcnasty]

The upper sway bar brackets would work but the u shaped ones did fine.
Got the swap done and I love it the only thing I didn't swap was the booster and my pedal doesn't feel as stiff as I'd like it to so I think I'm gonna throw it on sometime.

[rockin86ranger]

Ok i have some suspension issues, and since aspire swaps already have a billion threads i will throw my question up on this older post. A junkyard semiclose to me has a 5 door aspire with ABS, does this make a difference since i won't use the abs (On some cars abs and non abs makes a difference)

[91mcnasty]

almost positive you have to find a non abs/obdll car. someone smarter will chime in most likely.

[rockin86ranger]

I am hoping not, It is the only one in my area at a yard right now. I would like to have it done by may 1st since i am taking a road trip and my rear suspension could use some work, plus i could probably use to the upgraded brakes in Springfield.