Suspension swap

[darkchylde1981]

Hi

I searched and could not locate a precise answer..

I need to replace the whole front suspension top to bottom.. still stock after 187,000 kms.

I know I can use a 01 kia rio knuckles on my 1991 festiva.

What I dont know is, what other parts I will need to complete the swap.

I would like to purchase everything new..might cost a bit more but I am fine with that.

Any help is appreciated.

Thanks,
Brad

[gergorian]

Look four posts above this one titled "Advanced suspension mods" That contains all you need on how to modify the suspension. Also you can check the thread just below this one by PhoenixSHO for some more info on this as well.

[Gomez]

01-02 Rio knuckles, calipers, rotors, pads, complete strut assembly, outer tie rod ends, and soft brake line. Cut springs 1.5 coils for approximately stock ride height.

[darkchylde1981]

Look four posts above this one titled "Advanced suspension mods" That contains all you need on how to modify the suspension. Also you can check the thread just below this one by PhoenixSHO for some more info on this as well.

I read through most of the "Advanced suspension mods" thread.. I must have missed the part that specifies what exactly I can buy brand new, instead of getting it from a donor car or junk yard.

I also read some of PhoenixSHO's thread but I don't think coil-overs are what I need.

Thanks for the reply!

[Bert]

It tends to become cost-prohibitive to buy new. Myself would be searching out an entire Aspire (ideally an ATX, but not all that important) so as to get the thicker sway bar and rear brackets and beam, e-brake, taller spring perch shocks and stiffer springs all in one go. A Rio set of front brakes (and the lovely strut top hats) would be a bonus but they're much easier to come by at a later date.

[darkchylde1981]

01-02 Rio knuckles, calipers, rotors, pads, complete strut assembly, outer tie rod ends, and soft brake line. Cut springs 1.5 coils for approximately stock ride height.

Hey Gomez,

Thanks much for the info. I got a few more questions if you don't mind

So just confirm.. the "calipers, rotors, pads, complete strut assembly, outer tie rod ends, and soft brake line." would also need to be all the same year - 01 or 02 ?

If I don't cut the springs, the ride height would be slightly higher... would I be able to get 14" or 15" rims without rubbing ?

Also do I need to change the control arms, or are the festiva ones sufficient ?

Other then that.. is there anything else I should know ? Everything is pretty much bolt on (when going the above route).. correct?

Thanks again!!

[darkchylde1981]

It tends to become cost-prohibitive to buy new. Myself would be searching out an entire Aspire (ideally an ATX, but not all that important) so as to get the thicker sway bar and rear brackets and beam, e-brake, taller spring perch shocks and stiffer springs all in one go. A Rio set of front brakes (and the lovely strut top hats) would be a bonus but they're much easier to come by at a later date.

Hi Bert,

It all needs to be replaced.. it's pretty rough right now lol. So even if I didn't swap it over to a Kia Rio setup, then I would be just replacing with new Ffestiva parts.. the cost difference of probably few hundred dollars would be worth it in the long run.

I did a quick search on some parts and found roughly that

- Tie Rods $90 (both)
- KYB Front Struts $120 (both)
- Strut Mounts $50 (both)
- Lowering Springs $279 (all 4)
- Control Arms $70 (both)

- Rotors $30 (both)
- Calipers $80 (both)
- Pads $40

--------------
$800 .. now if i find cheaper springs.. then even better

Unless I am missing parts ?

[Flyin4stroke]

You have to use the stock Festiva control arms.

15's fit without rubbing on stock suspension. Uncut springs you will be like movin's ride. 4x4 look.

[darkchylde1981]

You have to use the stock Festiva control arms.

15's fit without rubbing on stock suspension. Uncut springs you will be like movin's ride. 4x4 look.

4x4 look eh.. might come handy in winter.. especially in Winnipeg lol

[Bert]

Hi Bert,
It all needs to be replaced.. it's pretty rough right now lol. So even if I didn't swap it over to a Kia Rio setup, then I would be just replacing with new Ffestiva parts.. the cost difference of probably few hundred dollars would be worth it in the long run.

Problem with installing Rio (or even Aspire) stuff on the front is you'll never be able to rotate tires from front to back, and the choices for rims is going to leave you scratching. Festy Bolt pattern (114.3) is obscure whereas Aspire/Rio (100mm) is almost universal. Stance of the car is going to be weird too; I did notice that swap to Aspire all around noticeably moved the wheelbase out.

[Flyin4stroke]

You can get dual pattern wheels. That's what I have. Aspire up front festy in the back. Weight savings in the rear of the car. Wider wheelbase never hurts in case of sliding.

[Pu241]

You can get dual pattern wheels. That's what I have. Aspire up front festy in the back. Weight savings in the rear of the car. Wider wheelbase never hurts in case of sliding.

I know multiple members who do this.
Worth the cost of the wheels as they can be transferred between Aspire/festiva or a hybrid of the two.

[Flyin4stroke]

Not just that but everything uses 1 of the 2 patterns. 4x108 is the only other four lug. But you will never get the factory look I suppose without both being the same.

[villageidiot]

Not just that but everything uses 1 of the 2 patterns. 4x108 is the only other four lug.

not true, my wife's fiat (2014 500) uses a 4x98mm bolt pattern

[Flyin4stroke]

That's good to know.