How to Find Kei Truck Parts in the US: The Complete Sourcing Guide
Finding parts for a 25-year-old Japanese mini truck in the US is easier than you think. Here's every source — from OEM suppliers in Japan to cross-compatible parts.
You bought a kei truck. You love it. And then something breaks, and you realize you're driving a vehicle that was never sold at any US dealership. No AutoZone clerk is going to pull up your Suzuki Carry in their system. No dealer network has your brake rotors on a shelf.
But here's the thing — sourcing kei truck parts in the US is genuinely not that hard once you know where to look. I've been wrenching on these trucks for years, and the parts pipeline has gotten dramatically better. This guide covers every source I use, from OEM suppliers shipping direct from Japan to the domestic cross-compatible parts sitting on the shelf at your local parts store right now.
OEM Parts Direct from Japan
Start here when you need the exact right part. OEM is non-negotiable for certain components — head gaskets, water pumps, timing belt kits, transmission internals. You do not want to gamble on fitment with a no-name gasket set on a 660cc engine that's already working hard.
Amayama is the gold standard for OEM parts from Japan. You search by chassis code, and they pull genuine parts from Suzuki, Honda, Daihatsu, Subaru, and Mitsubishi supply chains. Shipping to the US typically runs 7-14 days via EMS, sometimes faster. Prices are reasonable — often cheaper than what you'd pay for equivalent domestic OEM parts on a US-market vehicle.
[AFFILIATE: Amayama OEM timing belt kit (Suzuki Carry F6A engine), approximately $45-65, https://www.amayama.com]
[AFFILIATE: Amayama OEM water pump (Honda Acty E07A engine), approximately $55-80, https://www.amayama.com]
For parts diagrams and part number lookups, Megazip is indispensable. Plug in your chassis code and you get exploded diagrams of every assembly on the truck. I use Megazip to find the part number, then cross-reference it on Amayama or elsewhere for the best price. Having the correct OEM part number eliminates guesswork entirely — write it down, order with confidence.
Pro tip: your chassis code is stamped on the firewall plate and is also on your Japanese export certificate. For a Daihatsu Hijet, you're looking at something like S110P or S210P. For a Honda Acty, it's HA3 or HA4. Learn your chassis code. Tattoo it on your arm if you have to. Every parts search starts there.
Specialty Kei Truck Parts Stores
A handful of US-based shops have built their entire business around mini truck parts, and they stock the stuff you actually need — filters, belts, brake components, electrical parts, weatherstripping, and bed accessories. These shops understand fitment because they work on these trucks daily.
Oiwa Garage is a go-to source and stocks a solid catalog of maintenance parts, accessories, and upgrade components across the major kei truck platforms. They know what fits what, and their customer service reflects people who actually drive these trucks.
[AFFILIATE: Oil filter (Suzuki Carry DC51T/DD51T), approximately $6-10, https://oiwagarage.co]
[AFFILIATE: Brake pad set front (Daihatsu Hijet S110P), approximately $25-40, https://oiwagarage.co]
[AFFILIATE: Air filter element (Honda Acty HA3/HA4), approximately $8-15, https://oiwagarage.co]
If you're shopping for a truck and want to understand what parts availability looks like before you buy, read through our guide on things to check before buying a kei truck. Parts sourcing should factor into your purchase decision — some models have significantly better aftermarket support than others.
Cross-Compatible Domestic Parts
This is where kei truck ownership gets interesting. These trucks share components with other vehicles, and a surprising number of parts are already in the US supply chain under different part numbers.
Brake components are the easiest cross-reference. Many kei truck brake pads, rotors, and drums share dimensions with small domestic and Asian-market vehicles. A Subaru Sambar uses brake pads that cross-reference to certain Subaru Justy fitments. Some Suzuki Carry brake drums match Suzuki Swift or Geo Metro specs. Your local parts store can look these up if you bring in the dimensions — outside diameter, thickness, bolt pattern, and hub bore.
[AFFILIATE: Beck Arnley brake pads (cross-reference for Suzuki Carry), approximately $18-30, major auto parts retailers]
Filters are another easy win. Oil filters for the Suzuki F6A and K6A engines cross-reference to common Denso and Mann filter numbers. The Honda E07A engine in the Acty uses filters that match certain Honda Civic and Honda Today applications. Ask for the filter by dimensions if the system doesn't have your vehicle listed — 65mm diameter, 75mm height, M20x1.5 thread, etc.
[AFFILIATE: Denso oil filter 150-2010 (cross-compatible with multiple kei truck engines), approximately $5-8, Amazon/RockAuto]
Spark plugs are universal by spec. NGK and Denso plugs for kei truck engines are widely available because the same plugs are used in motorcycles, generators, and other small-displacement Japanese engines. Look up the OEM plug number on the NGK cross-reference chart and you'll find it in stock everywhere.
[AFFILIATE: NGK BKR6E spark plugs (common kei truck fitment), approximately $3-5 each, any auto parts store]
Belts can often be matched by length, width, and rib count. Gates, Continental, and Bando all make belts in the sizes these trucks use. Measure what you've got, and chances are decent you'll find a match on the shelf. Bando is worth noting specifically — they're a Japanese manufacturer, and many kei trucks came with Bando belts from the factory.
[AFFILIATE: Bando alternator belt (various kei truck fitments by size), approximately $8-15, RockAuto]
Universal and Aftermarket Upgrade Parts
Plenty of components don't need to be model-specific at all. This is where you can source freely from domestic suppliers.
Lighting: Kei trucks use standard bulb sizes for many applications. Headlights are often H4 or sealed beam. Turn signals and tail lights use common wedge and bayonet bulbs. If you're upgrading to LEDs, universal LED kits work fine — just match the bulb socket type.
[AFFILIATE: Auxbeam H4 LED headlight bulbs (universal fit), approximately $25-40, Amazon]
Ignition components: Distributor caps, rotors, plug wires, and ignition coils for these engines are available through standard ignition parts suppliers. NGK plug wire sets and generic distributor components are often direct fits.
Suspension and lift kits are where the kei-truck-specific aftermarket has exploded. If you're building your truck out for off-road use — and if you haven't read our guide to the best kei truck mods for off-road, start there — you'll find lift kits ranging from 2-inch spacer lifts to full suspension overhauls.
[AFFILIATE: 2-inch lift kit (Suzuki Carry), approximately $200-350, https://oiwagarage.co]
[AFFILIATE: LED light bar 20-inch (universal, fits kei truck roof rack), approximately $40-70, Amazon]
Tires deserve mention. Most kei trucks run 12-inch wheels, and 145/80R12 or 155/80R12 tires are available through Tire Rack and other online retailers. Kenda, Yokohama, and Bridgestone all make tires in these sizes. For off-road builds, some owners step up to 13-inch or 14-inch wheels with appropriately sized all-terrain tires after a lift.
[AFFILIATE: Kenda KR501 145/80R12 tire, approximately $45-60 each, Tire Rack]
Salvage and Used Parts
The used parts market for kei trucks is growing as more of these vehicles enter the US. There are a few ways to tap into it.
Other kei truck owners are your best source for used parts. The kei truck community on Reddit is active and members frequently sell parts from trucks they're parting out. The mini truck enthusiasts subreddit is another good resource — broader scope, but plenty of kei truck content.
Kei truck importers sometimes part out trucks that arrive with damage or aren't worth selling whole. Check with import services like Mini Kei Trucks — they occasionally have parts trucks or can source specific components during their next import run. Listings on kei truck classifieds sites sometimes include parts trucks at significant discounts.
Japanese auction houses are an option for harder-to-find assemblies. Sites like Goo-net Exchange list parts vehicles in Japanese used car auctions, and some consolidators will pull parts and ship them internationally. This makes sense for big-ticket items like transmissions, transfer cases, or complete engine assemblies where the cost justifies the shipping.
Domestic salvage yards are a long shot but worth checking if you're near a port city or an area with a high concentration of kei trucks. Hawaii, parts of the Pacific Northwest, and rural areas in the South have higher kei truck density. Call around — some yards are starting to stock them.
Ordering from Japan: What to Know
Ordering parts directly from Japan is straightforward, but there are a few things to understand.
Shipping costs are real. Small items like filters, gaskets, and electrical components ship affordably via EMS or Japan Post. Larger items — body panels, exhaust systems, axle assemblies — get expensive fast due to dimensional weight pricing. Always price out shipping before you commit.
Customs and duties on auto parts are generally minimal for personal use. Parts valued under $800 typically enter duty-free under Section 321 de minimis. Above that, expect a small percentage. You won't usually run into problems unless you're importing an engine or transmission, which can trigger additional scrutiny.
Lead times vary. Standard EMS from Japan runs 5-10 business days to most US addresses. Economy options can take 3-4 weeks. Factor this into your maintenance planning — order your timing belt kit before the old one starts squealing, not after.
Know your model inside and out. If you're new to these trucks, our guide to what a kei truck is covers the basics of the platform differences. The Mitsubishi Minicab has different parts availability than the Carry or Hijet, and that matters when you're budgeting for long-term ownership.
Community Knowledge Is Your Best Tool
No parts catalog replaces the knowledge of someone who's already solved your exact problem. The kei truck community in the US is small enough to be helpful and large enough to have encountered most issues.
Reddit is the most active space. The r/keitruck subreddit has regular threads on parts sourcing, cross-references, and vendor recommendations. Search before you post — there's a good chance someone has already tracked down the part number you need.
Facebook groups dedicated to specific models are gold mines. Suzuki Carry groups, Daihatsu Hijet groups, Honda Acty groups — each has members who've compiled cross-reference lists, vendor reviews, and DIY repair guides. These communities have done the hard work of figuring out which Geo Metro alternator fits which Carry, and they share it freely.
Your import dealer can be a resource too. Many kei truck importers maintain relationships with parts suppliers in Japan and can source components you're having trouble finding on your own. This is especially valuable for body parts, glass, and interior trim pieces that don't have cross-references.
Build Your Parts Strategy
Smart kei truck ownership means being proactive about parts. Here's what I recommend:
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Stock maintenance consumables — keep oil filters, air filters, spark plugs, and a belt set on hand. Order in bulk from Oiwa Garage or Amayama to save on shipping. [AFFILIATE: Complete maintenance kit (oil filter, air filter, spark plugs, belt set), approximately $60-90, https://oiwagarage.co]
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Document every part number you use. Build a spreadsheet with OEM numbers, cross-reference numbers, suppliers, and prices. Future you will be grateful.
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Join the community before you need it. Being an active member of the kei truck community means you'll have connections when something obscure breaks.
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Inspect parts availability before buying a truck. Some models and years have significantly better parts support than others. The Suzuki Carry and Daihatsu Hijet generally have the broadest parts availability. Factor this into your buying decision.
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Insure your truck properly. A truck you can't get parts for is a truck you can't fix after an accident. Make sure your specialty vehicle insurance covers agreed value, not just actual cash value, so you're not left with a total loss payout that doesn't cover replacement cost.
The parts situation for kei trucks in the US has never been better, and it's improving every year as the community grows and more importers enter the market. With the right sources and a little planning, keeping your mini truck on the road is entirely manageable. The truck was built to be maintained by village mechanics with basic tools — the only real challenge is getting the parts to your doorstep.