My Rio/Aspire Suspension Upgrade

[Bert]

Not sure about offset and hub hole compatibility of Escort rims but the 02 Rio wagon alloys I got hold of were perfect; hub-centric for optimum fit and the offset did not yield tire rubbing on the spring perches. Try the new wheels on for size before you commit. 175-65-14 is a tall wide tire compared to Festy and even OEM Aspire.

[1990new]

Took the parts with bad bearings back today and pulled the right front knuckle off the other 02 Rio at LKQ. Turns out this was a very good thing because the right side
looks like it has recently been rebuilt. The CV axle looked almost new also. Whoever did the job didn't stake the axle nut so I have a new unstaked nut, plus new brake
pads and a new rotor. I got the right side installed this afternoon and drove it around the block....no bearing noise
You are correct Bert... It is going to ride high with the 175/65 14 tires and uncut springs....but that's OK Makes it easier to get in and out and since it's an automatic,
we will not be doing much high speed highway driving it it anyway.
Also today, I found a 1992 Escort LX with a couple of nice alloys and almost new 175/65 14 tires. I may go back and get the other two and sell the 2 Kia Alloys.

Yes Burt... that 1997 Aspire was very clean and rust free. It was still there today. There was also a Mercury Tracer with 3 13" alloys on it. Two in nice shape but the third was not as nice.

Tomorrow I hope to get the Aspire rear swap at least partially completed. My rear shocks are supposed to arrive Friday so I should have it all done by Saturday.
No new pictures added today...I'll add some more tomorrow.

[Bert]

For years everyone claimed an Aspire swap was merely a fast weekend's operation. There is always nickle and dime stuff involved as you've discovered. However you will be impressed by the handling and braking of your 'new' car along with the new-found opportunity to use real wheels and tires. In my case clearance bin 155/65-14s were just the ticket on Rio alloys and did not make the car appear like it had been modified.
What it will do though is get you thinking about an engine transplant now that cruising comfortably at 75 is becoming a reality.

Boy are the parts off that dead Aspire ever in good shape compared to rustbelt vehicles! If you don't shorten (ie cut) the Aspire coils you will find that the swapped car sits quite high.

[1990new]

nice job!

Thanks Danny, but so far the job is not being very nice to me.

I had determined that the bearing was good in the right knuckle that has the axle stuck in it, but I have failed miserably in my attempt to remove the CV axle shaft.
After soaking in pb blaster, drilling the center, heating the hub and putting ice water in the back of the empty cv bearing housing and then pressing and pounding, the axle still will not budge.

I took the caliper off the extra left knuckle that I pulled and I can tell the bearing is shot in it just from spinning, so I'm taking it and the stuck axle one back tomorrow.
There is another 92 Rio there that just came in last week. I will pull the right side knuckle and hope that the bearing is good in it.
Only trouble is I won't get it half price. If it turns out to have a bad bearing, I will just replace the bearing myself.
My left side is installed (except for correct tie rod end) and has a good bearing. I ordered 2 Rio outer tie rod ends today and they will be here Saturday.
I will get to work on the rear beam swap as soon as I get the front wheels back on the ground. I think it will be much easier.

[kumalaba]

nice job!

[1990new]

Thanks Jerry.. I still have a ways to go. The new rear shocks that I ordered from Rock Auto are supposed to arrive later this week.
By then I'll have the Festiva rear beam pulled and the Aspire beam cleaned up and mounted, brake lines and e brake cable replaced and will be ready to add the shocks and wheels.

I'm going to put it in as is without cutting any springs to seek how it works first. I'll pick up two 14" steel wheels to put on the rear until I find 2 more Kia Rio Alloys.
I hope to have it finished by this weekend.

[Team Lightning]

Looks good!! Those Rio top mounts make a world of difference in the steering. I was surprised at how much easier mine is to steer.

Good Job!!

[1990new]

Here us a photobucket link to pictures of my Rio/Aspire Suspension Upgrade.
http://s1222.photobucket.com/user/1990new/slideshow/Rio-Aspire%20Suspension%20Upgrade


Note the before and after photos of the Kia Rio Alloys. I only found two and
they are in really nice condition. I'm hoping to find two more nice one to complete the set.

I had to cut the shocks off the Aspire rear beam as they were the originals and were totally shot.

I put all the Rio parts on before cleaning them up to make sure everything worked.
After driving, I found out that the right front wheel bearing is roaring. I took it off and
I will replace it with the other that one I pulled, as soon as I get the axle out of the hub.
I hammered it so much that I mushroomed the axle end. I cut the end off and then drilled a hole
all the way through to the inside of the CV housing and now I'm letting it sit overnight soaked
in pb blaster with wheel puller pulling tight on the hub. I'm hoping to find it loose in the morning.
If not, I guess I'll have to apply heat..but I don't wont to ruin the bearings if they are good.

I'll post more pictures to the album as I get more work done.

I was utterly amazed at the difference those ball bearing struts improved the steering.
It felt as if I had installed power steering.