KYB 343160 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock for GM Cars

KYB Excel-G part number 343160 is a rear suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and handling on select GM cars and vans. It is an OE-style replacement for classic domestic applications, including Buick Century, Chevrolet Celebrity, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, and Pontiac 6000 rear suspension service.

Excel-G Product Line Details

The Excel-G line is KYB’s OEA-style replacement series, produced on the same KYB OE assembly lines and calibrated to return the vehicle to its original designed performance. This nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube shock uses OE-quality components and vehicle-specific damping valving to help maintain tire contact, steering response, and body control.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock for classic domestic cars
• Restores designed control and handling on GM rear suspension applications
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact and body movement
• Supports proper operation of electronic safety systems by maintaining suspension behavior as engineered
• Strong strut body and bracket design helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included
• Lower mount type: E2 (10x40); upper mount type: S1

Detailed Description

KYB 343160 is engineered for rear suspension replacement on a wide range of 1980s and 1990s GM platforms. With a compressed length of 14.17 inches, extended length of 21.06 inches, and 6.89 inches of stroke, this Excel-G shock is built to match the original suspension geometry and restore predictable ride behavior. It is a practical choice for drivers servicing a Buick Century rear shock, Chevrolet Celebrity rear shock, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera rear shock, or Pontiac 6000 rear shock where OE-style performance is the goal. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 5897 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Loose or unstable rear-end handling
• Poor lane-change response
• Reduced tire contact and uneven road control
• Oil or gas leakage from a worn shock absorber

Installation Notes and Tips

• Compatible with rear position applications only.
• Some listings require replacing the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• For vehicles with rear level control, electronic suspension, leveling control, or air suspension, verify the application notes before installation.
• KYB recommends new strut mounts, part number SM5010, to reduce noise and vibration.
• Confirm mount style and suspension configuration before ordering KYB 343160.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE supplier to vehicle manufacturers, and the Excel-G line is built on KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The design focus is restoring original suspension performance rather than changing ride characteristics.

• Fits 1982-1996 Buick Century, rear
• Fits 1980-1985 Buick Skylark, rear
• Fits 1982-1990 Chevrolet Celebrity, rear
• Fits 1980-1983 Chevrolet Citation, rear
• Fits 1984-1985 Chevrolet Citation II, rear
• Fits 1990-1996 Chevrolet Lumina APV, rear
• Fits 1980-1984 Oldsmobile Omega, rear
• Fits 1982-1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera, rear
• Fits 1987-1994 Oldsmobile Cutlass Cruiser, rear
• Fits 1994-1996 Oldsmobile Silhouette, rear
• Fits 1980-1984 Pontiac Phoenix, rear
• Fits 1982-1991 Pontiac 6000, rear
• Fits 1990-1996 Pontiac Trans Sport, rear