KYB 341655 Suspension Strut - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Suspension Strut

KYB Excel-G part number 341655 is a front suspension strut built to restore original ride control, stability, braking response, and handling. It is a recommended OE replacement for the 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird and 2003-2005 Lincoln LS, with OE-style calibration for factory-like suspension behavior.

The Excel-G line is KYB’s OEA replacement series, produced on KYB OE assembly lines with OE-quality components. For drivers searching for a front strut for a Ford Thunderbird or Lincoln LS, 341655 is engineered to return the vehicle’s designed damping response without changing the original suspension character.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement strut
• Fits 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird, front
• Fits 2003-2005 Lincoln LS, front
• Nitrogen gas-charged twin-tube design
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact, steering response, and body movement
• Strong strut body and bracket design helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Internal rebound spring included
• Made in USA

Detailed Description

KYB Excel-G 341655 is designed for front suspension service on the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS, where restoring factory ride control matters more than changing the suspension feel. The strut uses KYB’s OE-focused tuning to support stable lane changes, predictable stopping behavior, and consistent handling response. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 71976) for the same application.

With a compressed length of 13.12 inches, extended length of 17.37 inches, and 4.25 inches of stroke, this front strut is built around the vehicle’s original suspension geometry. The upper mount type is 12x1.75 and the lower mount type is E2 (14.2x48), making it a direct-fit replacement for the listed applications. Search terms such as 2002-2005 Ford Thunderbird front strut and 2003-2005 Lincoln LS front suspension strut apply to this part number 341655.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive front-end bounce or float
• Reduced steering response during lane changes
• Uneven tire contact caused by worn damping
• Longer stopping distances related to weak suspension control
• Body movement and instability over rough roads

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify the vehicle year, make, model, and front position before ordering. Inspect related suspension components, including mounts, springs, and alignment settings, during replacement. Because this strut is calibrated for OE-style performance, proper installation and a post-repair alignment help preserve the intended ride and handling characteristics of the Thunderbird or LS.

Quality Assurance

KYB supplies shocks and struts to new vehicle manufacturers, and the Excel-G line is assembled on the same OE production lines using OE-quality components. That manufacturing approach supports consistent damping performance and fitment accuracy for front suspension replacement on the Ford Thunderbird and Lincoln LS.