At 150k miles my compliance bushings in the lower controls arms are officially shot and I need to replace them. There are two different bushing options and I have not decided which to purchase yet:

2004-2006 51394-SEP-A01 $26.18 firmer
2007-2008 51394-SEP-A11 $13.86 softer (for ride-comfort)

I think I'd also like to take the opportunity to go ahead and replace my stock suspension with an A-Spec suspension as long as some labor is going to have to go into the fronts anyways. The reason I want A-Spec is that I know I'd like the decreased body roll and the subtle drop. However, I also prefer a softer ride to feel highway road imperfections less. I do a lot of highway driving. Does it make sense to use the softer 07-08 bushing with an A-Spec suspension? At first it seemed counterproductive, but isn't that the OEM TL-S A-Spec set up? I welcome your thoughts.

Also, how many miles might someone normally expect out of OEM shocks/springs? Does it make sense to purchase used ones with 100k miles on them, for example?

 

For your last question, no, I wouldn't buy shocks nor springs with that many miles on them.

As for the bushings, per your description of how you want your ride to be, I'd say get the softer 'newer' bushings.

I actually sent IHC a PM for that very same question. But I am going a little further in the performance side of things then you want to.

Anyways it would seem to me that bushing actually needs more play then most. And if they used the newer softer one on the 07+ revision (both 6spds, auto, and type-s), I'd say they did it for a reason.

So in short, unless the guru says otherwise, even with my performance oriented view, I will be going with the softer ones.

 

So I did purchase an A-Spec suspension and had it put on yesterday. I chose to purchase the 07-08 bushings and had those replaced at the same time. Hard to say if the softer bushing really translate into a softer ride. The ride is very firm and is harsher than my old non-A-Spec suspension. Handles VERY nicely, but a bit harsh going over bumps. I can't say I can compare to what it would be like with the firmer bushings, but it certainly does not seem like handling is being sacrificed by having the softer bushings. This is track caliber handling I have now.

 

you'll get used to it. i started with aspec. i was pleased. then a few months later...added a progress RSB...WOW. handling is now much tighter with minimal body roll than just aspec suspension alone. if i had summer tires on ...i'd be one happy cornering girl, but i don't...i will remain restrained with my A/S tires which is ok.

have fun!

 

First, the lower control arms and compliance bushings are different for '07-'08, and both are the same for all '07-'08 models, base, nav, TL-S as well as the TL-S summer tire, so hope the bushings fit properly in the '04-'06 arms.

 

TriGirl,
I think I read just about every one of your posts when researching the ASpec kit part numbers and trying to decide if I should do it. I had a hell of a time trying to figure out the right part number for the 04-06 MT kit. Anyway, I'm hoping I'll get used to the harsher ride. I'm thinking it'll be okay for me because I do mostly highway driving. I definitely prefer the much improved handling.

Turbo,
No worries, the bushings are interchangeable and the 07-08 bushings fit into my 04 control arms just fine. The Honda tech that did the work had no issues and said everything went smoothly.

 

They do.

 

i know, i was a little confused too. once i talked to the dealer i bought the kit from i was a little more reassured. this number supersedes this number which supersedes this number...oye! anyway, give it a chance i thought i wouldn't like it, but realized the handling was amazing. if you're not liking the ride right now...hold off on the RSB (though the body roll or lack there of is a nice thing to have). my ride seemed to stiffen up a touch more with the RSB (i know its only suppose to effect turns, corners and when the car is uneven (ie driveways)) but that's just what i feel. funny thing, everytime i drive my MDX i can't wait to get back into the TL for a little fun and sportiness (the MT helps too) :P.

in a few weeks, your butt will get used to the extra bumps you're feeling. are you on stock wheels? i have 18's. that can make a difference too.

 

with all this talk, I really cant wait to install my set up!!

 

Guess if I did a search I may have found the answer, but good to know, I'll add that to my repertoire.