2013~2016 Rear Shock and Front Strut Compatability (KYB Strut Plus using OEM Mount/Bushings

[mheebs]

1st Question - Front Struts
I want to use OEM Mazda front strut mounts and bearings on a set of KYB Strut Plus assemblies (these are the ones that come fully assembled out of the box but I do not care for the KYB mount and bearings).

Has anyone done this before? My only worry is the KYB spring won't match the OEM mount/bearing.

2nd Question - Rear Shocks
I fell down the rabbit hole of all the different rear shock absorber OEM part #'s there are to choose from and am second guessing everything.

I have a 2015 AWD Touring built in 2/14. It uses the newer stud and nut design on the lower shock mount. The following chart has been passed around on this form and going by that, you would think that PN# KD35-28-910K would be the one I would need since I have AWD but I have contacted multiple dealers and they all say PN# KR27-28-910H is what comes up under my VIN# in their system.

I really want to go with the 910K part as it is slightly cheaper. On the dealership OEM parts websites it lists both part#'s as being compatible with my car but It's just odd to me that they would recommend the one that clearly has "without AWD" in it's description. Meanwhile, the 910H description states "with AWD". They insist 910H is correct regardless

I suspect both shocks would mount up fine and it's more than likely just a matter of slight differences such as the dampening tuning being different. If this wasn't the case, then how can KYB offer a shock and mount assembly that covers all models 5/13/13 and newer, for gen 1 CX-5's? (KYB SA-1008). Do we know what the type 1 and type 2 designations of the 910K and 910H actually mean? Could type 1 be the lower shock mount that uses the older standard hex bolt and type 2 using the nut and stud that is threaded into the knuckle?

Really scratching my head here. I almost want to just say screw it and go with the aftermarket KYB strut+mount assembly version since it should work and looks nearly identical to the OEM shock (KYB probably makes the OEM?) But on the other hand, OEM is not much more expensive assuming the 910K would actually work for my car.

Feel free to chime in on my madness.

 

[Lazy2.5]

I suggest to just stop wasting your time scrutinizing this, save your time and effort, and just use the entire strut-plus assembly.

Fwiw, my Mazda 6 was built in 9/14, and my fronts are KYB strut-plus with less than 7 months on them. The rears are still original.

I got to about 330,000KM on my front strut assemblies before finally deciding to replace them. They were still OK... Just tired.

The replacement was well worth the investment. I didn't need to do an alignment afterwards, BTW.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Sorry, I just noticed that you are looking both at the front and rears separately.

It is strange that they suggest the non-AWD variant. I agree both would probably work. But I personally wouldn't be one to find out on my own car. Just go KYB and save yourself the headache.

 

[mheebs]

I suggest to just stop wasting your time scrutinizing this, save your time and effort, and just use the entire strut-plus assembly.

Fwiw, my Mazda 6 was built in 9/14, and my fronts are KYB strut-plus with less than 7 months on them. The rears are still original.

I got to about 330,000KM on my front strut assemblies before finally deciding to replace them. They were still OK... Just tired.

The replacement was well worth the investment. I didn't need to do an alignment afterwards, BTW.

I actually currently have the KYB strut plus up front but the bearings are binding at lower speeds. This is why I want to swap over to OEM mounts/bearings.