1MDXer

I have a 2008 MDX Sport with ADS and plan to replace the front struts with the OEM Base front struts. OEM parts diagram is very different between the Sport with electronic ADS struts and the base strut. What parts are needed for this conversion? What strut mounts, bearings, seats, etc. should be used?

Skirmich

Buy the complete strut assembly for the fronts (Cost around 300 bucks each side and its the best value for both shock and spring which you need).
51601-STX-A06 (FRONT RIGHT SIDE)
51602-STX-A06 (FRONT LEFT SIDE)
These include NEW: Top Hat, Bearing, Dust Boot, Bump Stop, Spring, Shock = Complete Strut Assembly for each side.

For the rear units you will only need the rear Base shocks IIRC.
52610-STX-A04 (FITS BOTH SIDES) you need 2x.

That is about it as far as retrofitting goes.. I sincerely do not recall if the rear springs also has to be replaced, Hope someone can chime In and answer that.

1MDXer

Skirmich - great feedback and thank you. I wasn't sure if the complete base strut would match my Sport set-up. A complete set of springs/strut assemblies is the way I will go. And the cost is just fine for me.
One more question, if I could - the MDX rear shock's seem pretty straight forward. I've seen many discussions recommending KYB Excel-G rear shocks to save some money and get a lifetime warranty. OEM is seems to be a very good quality to me, but a one year warranty for the higher price doesn't seem to be worth the extra dollars. And I do plan to add resistors to the strut/shock sensors to turn off the error lights.
Thanks again for the quick help. Any additional input from any and all will be greatly appreciated.

Skirmich

Yeah you can use KYB Aftermarket they are the OEM manufacturer!

Carpayment4life

Place your "comfort" switch so that "comfort" is not on.
Then, after you've swapped the front assemblies, rear shocks, and resistors you won't get a dash warning light.

I left my "comfort" engaged and got a dash warning, after 500 miles.

1MDXer

KYB sounds good for the rear replacements. And thanks for the comfort setting off guidance. I am putting my order in tonight, along with some stabilizer links and stabilizer bar bushings.

One last question for a newbie - do the large flange bolts and nuts still need to be ordered for the strut assemblies? The exploded view of the complete strut assembly seems to include them in the picture, but I've always had to order new bolts and nuts on previous struts.

Thank you all.

1MDXer

Just finished removing and installing my front ADS struts. I had to cut off the sway bar links. What a pain. Thanks Skirmich for the part numbers and all for the help.

I planned to replace my sway bar bushings while under the MDX, but I could not get a socket on the passenger side rear bolt. Is there an easy way to get to that nut? I saw some TL discussions on the forum on dropping the sub-frame. That sounds like potential pain.