Who makes all 4 shocks for the Element? I look around and see fronts or rears, but never both. Who makes good shocks? Last shocks I bought were Monroe Sensitrak for a Ford Ranger.
Does KYB make a complete set?
I know the front of the 'Lament is Accord based. Will Accord shocks work for the front, at least from the same year car?

 

The front assembly is a MacPherson strut, so you're not going to find a "shock" replacement for that, that doesn't involve some cutting.

If you're looking for a relatively simple install, get the KYB front struts (Part numbers: 331046 and 331047) and KYB rear shocks (Part number: 344611).

 

331047 / 046 are not listed as OK for the '08 element. On 2 sites I checked.
I don't know the 'break' years for the Element, but those parts are OK for up to '03, IIRC.

Sorry, but I treat 'shock' and 'strut' nearly interchangeably. On my now Ancient '73VW SuperBeetle, you could use Cartridge Shocks which went INTO the 'strut' after
uncapping it with a large spanner (I used something else) and pulling the piston and rod internally. Leave some oil IN the housing. Replace cap and than reinstall.
Rear shocks were conventional 'tube' type and the double jointed rear end otherwise conventional. Beefy CV Joints, too. At that low power? Indestructible.

I will replace my search term with '2008 Honda Accord 4cyl' and try again. It's better than 50:50 I than get a result. I remember brake pads. The list of acceptible crosses was 40 or 50 items long, for the fronts.
Many Honda and Acura models as well as a smattering of others.

Am I asking too much for a SINGLE source of shocks (ok, struts) at all 4 corners?

 

Sorry, but you didn't put a year up in the first post as to what you were working on. Those parts listed were still the correct parts for my '05.

Be that as it may, here's the OEM part numbers for your car:

Front Left: 51606-SCV-A05
Front Right: 51605-SCV-A05
Rear: 52611-SCV-A02

 

My bad on the year of the 'Lament. I really thought they just transferred the Accord 'front end' to a Civic platform and let 'er go.
I'll check with NAPA on a cross reference for a set of Struts.
I'll go with any of the prime guys if they make a set of 4. After all, Honda get's 'em from somewhere, right? Who?

I may also go to someplace like Rock Auto and price out the part #s listed in the last post.

Car has 75k on it (miles!) and I just put new tires on yesterday. New shocks in next couple weeks THAN alignment.

 

Just search on Rock Auto for your year Element and it will list all options available. Best pricing I have found on most parts. Struts up front, shocks in rear on this one though.

 

When I originally did a search or Rock, I didn't get many listings.

Now? They show several Gabriel numbers, which are 'not in stock' at this time. But when I check the Gabriel PNs on Amazon, it comes out 'not for your car'. Which It knows is an '08 'Lament.

Is there ANY definitive source of correct numbers or cross reference?

 

If I can find someone who STOCKS even 'old' Gabriel numbers, I can get a set of 4 from tham.
The G52112 is not listed in the current cateloge, but IS a valid part number fitting my 'Lament.
The G52113 should be the same, for the 'other' side while the G51858 is a current listing for the REAR shocks which are the same on either side.
Struts, I mean. But you knew that!

I had NO idea I'd be having this discussion. I should have bought 'em 5 years ago and kept them safely stored.

 

Good source is Majestic Honda. Total cost north of 400$ and I don't know if they will charge CA sales tax OR tax shipping. CA law is that shipping is NOT taxable, but 'handling' IS.
If S+H is a single line? You're out of luck.

Sheesh

 

I called a HONDA Dealer today, (actually 2 of 'em) to get some input. First guy said ALL Elements from '03 onward used same part numbers. AS listed above for OEM stuff.

Second guy said there was a change on the RH strut but I forgot to note year.

The SC has its OWN listing.

I got a note back from KYB today and it was as UnHelpful as possible. No new information. Not a clue. I whipped off a Cynicgram and left it at that.
Like I'm too stupid to check the online help.

The confusion over what IS or ISN'T a valid part number is off-putting. Somebody must know, but keeping it a secret for some obscure purpose.

 

No question, KYB shocks are among the best you will find for the Honda Element. I've just put in a set in my 2005 Element with ~167,000. Shocks and the original shock mounts in the front, were toast.

 

The change in Part Number for Front Right strut occcurred the SAME year the 4speed auto was changed for the 'newer' 5speed auto.
Part number the same, except for ending in A05 for 'new' and A04 for the 'old'.