KYB 235620 Suspension Strut - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Suspension Strut

KYB Excel-G 235620 is a front suspension strut built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response on select Ford and Mercury vehicles. It is an OE-style replacement for drivers who want factory-like handling without changing the vehicle’s designed suspension behavior.

The Excel-G line is KYB’s OEA replacement series, made on the same OE assembly lines and calibrated to return the vehicle to its original damping characteristics. For 1997-2002 Ford Contour, 1997-2000 Mercury Mystique, and 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar front applications, part number 235620 is a direct-fit suspension strut solution.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement strut
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves for controlled tire contact and steering response
• Triple-lip fluid seal to reduce oil and gas leakage
• Strong strut body and bracket design to help minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Made in USA
• Upper mount type: 12x1.25
• Compressed length: 12.55 in; extended length: 18.89 in; stroke length: 6.34 in

Detailed Description

KYB Excel-G 235620 is engineered for front suspension service on Ford Contour, Mercury Mystique, and Mercury Cougar models listed below. This strut is designed to restore the vehicle’s original ride control, lane-change response, braking stability, and body motion management rather than alter suspension feel. KYB’s OE manufacturing background and application-specific damping calibration make the Excel-G a practical choice for maintaining factory-style performance on the Ford Contour and Mercury Mystique platform, as well as the Mercury Cougar.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 71687 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bouncing or oscillation after bumps
• Reduced steering response during lane changes
• Nose dive under braking
• Uneven tire contact caused by worn damping control
• Suspension noise or vibration related to worn strut components

Installation Notes and Tips

• Fits 1997 Ford Contour, front, from 3/1997; recommended OEM replacement.
• Fits 1998-2000 Ford Contour, front.
• Fits 1997 Mercury Mystique, front, from 3/1997; recommended OEM replacement.
• Fits 1998-2000 Mercury Mystique, front.
• Fits 1999-2002 Mercury Cougar, front.
• Replace the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions where specified.
• KYB recommends new strut mounts, part number SM5138, to reduce noise and vibration.
• Use KYB strut boot SB105 to help protect the strut from dirt, debris, and salt.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and the Excel-G line is built on KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The design focus is restoring original suspension performance for the specified Ford and Mercury applications, with electronic safety systems in mind because those systems depend on suspension, brakes, and tires working as intended.