KYB 343402 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 343402 is a rear suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response. It is an OE-style replacement for select GM compact cars, including Buick Skylark, Oldsmobile Achieva, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Corsica applications.

KYB’s Excel-G line is calibrated to return the vehicle to its designed damping characteristics rather than change the ride feel. This rear shock uses a nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design and is assembled on KYB OE production lines with OE-quality components.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock for rear suspension service
• Restores designed control and handling on select GM cars
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact, steering response, and body movement
• Supports proper operation of electronic safety systems by helping the suspension perform as engineered
• Strong strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included
• Part number: 343402

Detailed Description

KYB Excel-G shocks and struts are built for drivers who want factory-style ride control after suspension wear begins to affect handling. The 343402 rear shock absorber is an OEA-class replacement designed to match original performance targets on 1995-1998 Buick Skylark, 1995-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, 1995-1998 Pontiac Grand Am, and 1995-1996 Chevrolet Corsica rear applications. This part number 343402 is a direct-fit style solution for restoring damping consistency, body control, and road feel.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 5970 and Gabriel 69407 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Loose or unstable rear-end handling
• Reduced tire contact during braking and lane changes
• Oil or gas leakage from a worn shock absorber
• Uneven ride control caused by fatigued suspension damping

Installation Notes and Tips

Compatible With 1995-1998 Buick Skylark, rear; 1995-1998 Oldsmobile Achieva, rear; 1995-1998 Pontiac Grand Am, rear; and 1995-1996 Chevrolet Corsica, rear. Notes vary by application, including exclusion of electronic suspension on some Buick Skylark models and replacement of the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer instructions on certain Oldsmobile Achieva, Pontiac Grand Am, and Chevrolet Corsica applications.

KYB recommends replacing strut mounts to reduce noise and vibration; for this application, KYB lists strut mount part number SM5010. Compressed length is 11.41 in., extended length is 18.7 in., and stroke length is 7.29 in. Verify mount style and vehicle notes before installation.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and Excel-G is produced on the same KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The line is calibrated to restore original vehicle performance and is recognized as Original Equipment for the Aftermarket (OEA).