Rio/Aspire Swap Questions

[seniorgreenpants]

So I have a 93 festiva that needs a swap. Im planning on getting 04 Rio front knuckles, rear axle from an Aspire, Front swaybar from Auto Aspire, and 02 Rio front mounts.

I have read alot, I know 02 Rio knuckles fit but then I have the same brakes from an Auto Aspire. If I get 04 Knuckles I get bigger bolt on brakes. I know I need the Rio/Aspire Outer Tie Rod Ends. BUT will the 04 knuckes fit. I found a post from Russian stating that the Knuckles will fit. Anyone have them installed?

Next the rear axle... Is there a difference between Auto and Manual rear ends? Difference between 2 door and 4 door models? Do all of the rear axles have a "sway bar" built in? Where do I disconnect the e-brake cables at?

Finally for the front strut mounts. Will they replace the Stock Festiva mounts? Do I need anything from the Rio Struts?Spring top plate? If I dont need anything Ill just get the Mounts from rock auto and replace just the mounts.

I am going to get Tein's. Was going to build my own coilovers but I dont want them to be Under Damped. Plus I think I found a kit from HeelToeAuto for like 700 for the coilovers.

If anyone has anyhelp on this swap Im planning on. Can you give me advice? Thanks.

[RhodeStiva]

I know the 03 rip knuckles will fit. I think the 04 is the same.

[sketchman]

IMO you're better off getting the 02 and under knuckles and studding them. Because that lets you use widely available(and therefore cheaper) rebuilt loaded calipers for an Escort. Just go to rockauto.com and compare the prices of the 03+ Rio calipers with any SOHC 2.0/1.9 or 1.8 DOHC (GT) Escort caliper and you'll understand.

[seniorgreenpants]

I understand the expense of the caliper, But then increase in size of rotor is worth the cost if they fit. If I have to change wheels anyways I might as go for the Biggest bolt on I can. I found the front knuckle ass'ys for 50 each. Rear beam for 75 and front sway bar for 60.

Oh and I heard the escort master cylinder swap is a good one. So thats getting done aswell.


How bout the Aspire rear. Any answers on that?

And do the Rio front strut mounts swap in for the Festiva ones?

Thanks to all who replied. Getting some info but looking for more.

[Safety Guy]

Two bolt Rio front strut mounts bolt right in.

If you have good used Rio three bolt struts, just swapto the two bolt strut mounts to fit Festiva or Aspire.

Aspire rear axles are not different from 2 to 4 door models as far as I know. If they are it's something insignificant. I do know the axle beams are marked 2 or 4 door, but I don't know why and I doubt it matters.

You disconnect the back of the ebrake cables at the brake arms at the drums and the flex mount at the center of the rear axle beam. Or at the front (if you want to keep the cable on the axle), disconnect it at the handbrake lever and then at the gas tank bracket.

Have fun,

Karl

[seniorgreenpants]

Thank you Karl!

Now to buy parts and post pics!

[Skrapbob]

IMO you're better off getting the 02 and under knuckles and studding them. Because that lets you use widely available(and therefore cheaper) rebuilt loaded calipers for an Escort. Just go to rockauto.com and compare the prices of the 03+ Rio calipers with any SOHC 2.0/1.9 or 1.8 DOHC (GT) Escort caliper and you'll understand.

What is meant by "studding" the knuckles? What year range of Escort GT calipers will work with 2002 Rio knuckles?

[Bert]

By my figuring; simple upgrading to Aspire front brakes (or early Rio goodies) is singularly the biggest evolutionary step (of Festys) towards 'modernizing' (namely the serviceability and convenience of 'floating' rotors plus the brake fade-resistance of 'vented' rotors) and the fact that these-type brakes already incorporate a larger surface area. Anything beyond that (to me) is mostly a function of parts accessibility and price (unless you happen to be PhoenixSHO with 300+ hp bolted into a Festy, who pioneered the install of 04 Rio front brakes). If the 'stopping' Space Race is really on then you'll ultimately be looking at grafting on Volvo station wagon brakes and having to wear a seat belt just so as not launch out through windshield every time the pedal was deliberately pushed.

[sketchman]

What is meant by "studding" the knuckles? What year range of Escort GT calipers will work with 2002 Rio knuckles?

Converting to studs and nuts from bolts for the lugs. Bring up any Escort caliper other than a ZX2 on rockauto, and you'll see any year from 91-02(IIRC) will interchange. Not sure exactly on the years but I know it's not limited to the GT models. Rockauto tells you which years the part fits, though so it's easy to check.