[Cueballsi]

thanks! What is the fender height difference between the front and rear? This looks super tempting!!!! So upset that Monroe is not doing rebates anymore.

-Aaron

Here ya go, I took the tools out and went for a lap around the block. I haven't replaced the front struts and springs yet so I'm not sure if it would level a little more with fresh springs up front. This is definitely settled in though, They've been on there for a few month's now.

View attachment 219025

 

[gibson.casper]

Hey Locksmith, I know this is way later but was wondering why you got new element strut tops. Was there anything wrong with the old ones? Or just new other stuff to go with the new struts. Thanks, Casper

 

[Fleetw00d]

I got quite a lift (not intentionally) from a set of KYB Strut Plus. 32 inches at the fender edge with stock size tires without having to swap the tophats.

 

[Marv]

I got quite a lift (not intentionally) from a set of KYB Strut Plus. 32 inches at the fender edge with stock size tires without having to swap the tophats.

Interesting. My Element got OEMs all around when I could get them and at a fair price. I did use a set of NOS KYB Strut Plus on the front of my wood van, a 1992 Dodge Caravan, and to my surprise got a little over an inch genuine lift from them. The ride seems neither softer nor firmer than the originals, just doesn't 'float like a boat'. Drove it for a bit and it held so the solid axle rear got a pair of 1" lift blocks. Given how I use it the lift is appreciated and they have held up well -3 or 4 years now-

 

[Locksmith]

Hey Locksmith, I know this is way later but was wondering why you got new element strut tops. Was there anything wrong with the old ones? Or just new other stuff to go with the new struts. Thanks, Casper

It's been so long I don't remember exactly. I would imagine it's because I had lots of top hats in stock and it was just quicker/easier to disassemble only one set of struts instead of two.

 

[Cueballsi]

so the CRV top hat will fit the Element? What made you not swap it???

I got quite a lift (not intentionally) from a set of KYB Strut Plus. 32 inches at the fender edge with stock size tires without having to swap the tophats.

 

[stratagem]

@Locksmith, how did you remove the metal bushing and the two rubber pieces around the bushing on either side of the the top hat?

 

[Cueballsi]

well. Put the CRV struts in without swapping top hats… we found that the studs are 5mm inward…. So… buzed my old ones off and compressed the springs and put the hats on…
Had to drop down the evap canister to ge the left rear in…

we dod the front ball joints, tie rod ends, front element quick struts, rear CRV struts and springs with Element top hats, and all new sway bar end links. Will put 500 miles on this week. Will reply back here.

It's been so long I don't remember exactly. I would imagine it's because I had lots of top hats in stock and it was just quicker/easier to disassemble only one set of struts instead of two.

 

[MountainRider]

Has anyone tried this with rear KYB strut plus? Will the Monroe tophats fit the KYB’s? I can’t find just KYB element top hat anywhere.

 

[gibson.casper]

Locksmith reused the original Element top hats. I would suggest you try doing that first. I think the only difference is that the spacing on the bolts are wider on the Element top hat. Good Luck.

 

[dc99]

You can just search for OEM strut top hats, they were made by KYB

 

[jimlii]

Hey friends,

I'm in the middle of a full swap over to 2nd gen CRV struts from Monroe. On the rear I'm having an impossible time getting the lower mounting holes on the strut to match up with the mounting bracket.

It's off by a full inch or inch and a half-- about the same length as the extra travel in the spring. Any advice for getting these all lined up? I see in Locksmith's walks through he leverages the control arm down with a bottle jack. But my control arm doesn't seem to go down any more. Do I need to disconnect the upper control arm and sway bar to give the whole thing more play??

I appreciate the help!

PS-- If anyone is wondering, the CRV front struts will not add any extra clearance and you will need to put on CRV tie rod ends because the stud that connects to the CRV front shock is smaller than the element.

EDIT: Scissor jack between the LCA and frame worked to get the bracket lined up. I now have a lifted element!

 

[Ezmc321]

Hey friends,

I'm in the middle of a full swap over to 2nd gen CRV struts from Monroe. On the rear I'm having an impossible time getting the lower mounting holes on the strut to match up with the mounting bracket.

It's off by a full inch or inch and a half-- about the same length as the extra travel in the spring. Any advice for getting these all lined up? I see in Locksmith's walks through he leverages the control arm down with a bottle jack. But my control arm doesn't seem to go down any more. Do I need to disconnect the upper control arm and sway bar to give the whole thing more play??

I appreciate the help!

PS-- If anyone is wondering, the CRV front struts will not add any extra clearance and you will need to put on CRV tie rod ends because the stud that connects to the CRV front shock is smaller than the element.

EDIT: Scissor jack between the LCA and frame worked to get the bracket lined up. I now have a lifted element!

So to be clear, did you do CRV front struts with element springs, or complete CRV front strut assemblies? To result in the net zero lift you're speaking to, correct?