[Skopa]

So in this video the guy says he can mix and match the strut mounts... Unless I misunderstood OP's first video in which the same guy seems to say the OEM mounts are incompatible with the aftermarket struts...🤔

I think he said the OEM mounts are incompatible with the KYB quick struts but if you get the separate shock from KYB, he says it’ll work

 

[Skopa]

Why would you want to do such a Frankenstein combination? Keeping fatigued OEM springs doesn't sound very smart to me, unless you never drive outside of perfectly smooth highways and you are certain your springs are as good as when they were new. Besides, the guy in the video seems to say that you can't use a Honda OEM mount in an aftermarket strut assembly because the bearing size is different... Finally, installing an aftermarket shock absorber with used springs and a mount designed for OEm shocks is a recipe for rapid failure as the differently behaving shock absorber will certainly negatively impact the OEM mount.

If you are adamant getting the Honda OEM mount either replace just that (since you like your OEM springs), if shock absorption seems satisfactory, but that will cost extra labour, or replace the whole assembly with Honda OEM.

As for OEM vs Aftermarket, I usually favour aftermarket parts because my vehicles are usually quite old so have a limited remaining lifespan and the fact I don't drive my car for a living (I usually drive less than 10,000 miles per year), because I install the parts myself (and don't have to deal with huge garage rates), and the huge difference in price usually doesn't justify paying for OEM. Another reason is that because because I live in the salt belt, installing something that will last very long means I'll have to deal with huge rust hassles when I finally need to replace the part (something I've had to deal too many times with my extremely durable and long lasting Landcruiser components), something that isn't nearly as much of an issue with less long lasting aftermarket components. Of course, when it pertains to internal engine and mechanical components, it's totally different issue altogether.

Just my 2 cents.

The reason why is because the KYB strut mount is really not that good and there’s plenty of people saying it only last a year or two. Some even reported it lasting 2 to 4 months.
I’m talking to KYB Mount only. Their shocks are fine.

 

[Skopa]

KYB are the OEM struts and mounts by the way

Not the same, at least the mounts are not the same quality as oem.

 

[Skopa]

Whatever, my assembly (KYB struts, OEM springs re-used, new OEM strut top mounts) is working fine. "Fatigued" my azz. "Rapid failure" hah! There's always gonna be naysayers but what I'm running is proof that it works

Glad it worked out well.
What part numbers are the front KYB struts (strut only)?
I called KYB and she told me they only make the rear ones for the Element.
I thought they made the excel-g strut for front and back.
Edit: From what I see. They make the front Excel-g up until the 2006 year Elements.
Not sure what changed with Honda with the 2007 and up EX/LX models.
Maybe the 2002 to 2006 Excel-g will still work on my 2008 Ex.
I have no idea.

 

[Skopa]

Whatever, my assembly (KYB struts, OEM springs re-used, new OEM strut top mounts) is working fine. "Fatigued" my azz. "Rapid failure" hah! There's always gonna be naysayers but what I'm running is proof that it works

What year and model is your element?
Just because I can’t find KYB front struts (strut only) for my 2008 EX