Everyday Is An Adventure When You Own a 4x4 JDM Kei Truck [Featuring Honda Acty & Suzuki Carry]

Summary

This video showcases the versatile use of a Honda Acty over six months, highlighting its off-road capabilities and everyday utility on a seven-acre property. From handling steep terrains and muddy trails to helping with firewood collection and trash runs, the Acty proves its worth with a 2-inch lift, new tires, and upgraded parts. The journey also includes adventures exploring an old military bunker and tackling tough weather conditions. Through a series of lighthearted moments and challenges, the Acty’s enduring usefulness is celebrated, showing how a 30-year-old vehicle still holds up in modern-day exploration.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Honda Acty has been used for a variety of tasks, both on and off-road, over the last six months.
• 😀 The Acty is regularly used for tasks like hauling firewood, exploring, and maintaining the property.
• 😀 A 2-inch lift kit significantly improved the Acty's ground clearance, enhancing its off-road capabilities.
• 😀 The Acty’s open differential has sometimes caused difficulties, but a winch and strategic driving often solve the issue.
• 😀 Modifications to the Acty included replacing a front CV joint and boots, and installing 13-inch Civic wheels with Forceum mud terrain tires.
• 😀 The Forceum mud terrain tires are 23 inches in diameter, which offers a good balance for both highway and off-road use.
• 😀 The Acty can navigate challenging terrains, including steep hills and narrow paths that would be difficult for full-size trucks.
• 😀 The truck has been involved in adventurous trips, including an exploration of an old military bunker, offering a mix of fun and exploration.
• 😀 When the Acty gets stuck, its light weight allows for simple recovery using a cheap come-along rather than a winch.
• 😀 Despite being 30 years old, the Acty is still highly functional and continues to be a valuable tool for off-roading and property maintenance.

Q & A

How is the Honda Acty primarily used on the property?

The Honda Acty is used for both on-road and off-road tasks on the owner's seven-acre property. It helps with activities like hauling firewood, exploring the land, and navigating steep or difficult terrain.

What modifications were made to the Honda Acty to improve its performance?

The Honda Acty received several modifications including a 2-inch lift kit, a front CV joint replacement, new CV boots, and 13-inch Civic wheels. Additionally, Forceum mud terrain tires were added for better off-road capabilities.

What was the issue with the open differential during the trip to the dump?

The open differential on Michael's truck caused it to get stuck. Due to the lack of traction, it couldn't make it up a steep incline. The situation was resolved by using a winch to pull it out, but later, the truck was able to clear the obstacle with enough speed.

Why is the 2-inch lift kit on the Honda Acty considered beneficial?

The 2-inch lift kit improves the Honda Acty's ground clearance, making it better suited for off-road conditions. This is especially helpful on the owner’s property, where navigating rough and uneven terrain is common.

How did the tires perform on the highway?

The 23-inch Forceum mud terrain tires work well for both off-road use and highway driving. A 25-inch tire would have been too difficult to drive on highways, making the 23-inch tires the optimal choice for the Acty.

What was the issue faced when attempting to access the old military bunker?

While trying to reach the old military bunker, the path was very muddy and difficult, particularly due to water bars. Without a diff lock, one truck got stuck, but the situation was handled by pulling it out with the other truck.

What did the video reveal about the condition and history of the military bunker?

The military bunker is an old, somewhat neglected structure with some graffiti inside. It used to have gun stands and had been decommissioned, with cinder blocks used to seal off certain areas. The area around the bunker offers a scenic view of Canada across a bluff.

What alternative to a winch is available when the Suzuki Carry gets stuck?

When the Suzuki Carry gets stuck, it's light enough that the owner can use a cheap come-along (manual winch) to free it. The small size and light weight of the truck make it less reliant on heavy-duty winches for recovery.

What is the Acty's role during colder weather or snow conditions?

Despite the snowy conditions and cold temperatures (20-23°F), the Honda Acty performed well. It was able to start and be used for various tasks, including a trip to feed goats. The vehicle's small size makes it more capable in tight, snowed-in areas compared to larger trucks.

What plans are hinted at for the future regarding the Honda Acty?

The video suggests that while the Honda Acty had a long life in Japan, its story is far from over. The owner anticipates further adventures and projects with the truck, including more mini truck footage and custom camper builds.