KYB 344041 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

KYB Excel-G part number 344041 is a rear suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response. It is a direct OE-style replacement for GM S-Series applications, including Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, GMC Jimmy, and related models.

The Excel-G line is KYB’s OEA replacement series, produced on the same assembly lines used for OE supply and calibrated to return factory-designed damping characteristics. For rear suspension service on Chevrolet S10 and GMC Sonoma platforms, 344041 is a practical choice when the goal is to recover predictable handling without changing the vehicle’s original feel.

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock
• 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, thick strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included
• Part number 344041

Product Details and Fitment

This KYB Excel-G rear shock absorber uses a compressed length of 14.09 inches, an extended length of 23.94 inches, and a stroke length of 9.84 inches. Mounting dimensions include a lower mount type E2 (14.6 x 41) and an upper mount type E3 (61.6 x 87 x 30). It is engineered for rear suspension service on GM S-Series trucks and SUVs, including Chevrolet S10, GMC Sonoma, GMC Jimmy, Chevrolet Blazer, and Oldsmobile Bravada applications listed below. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 37021) for the same application.

• Fits 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer, rear, optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer, rear, optional twin tube replacement; (Exc. ZR2 Wide Stance Package); Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2005 GMC Jimmy, rear, optional twin tube replacement; (Exc. ZR2 HighRider Package); Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2004 Chevrolet S10, rear, optional twin tube replacement; (Exc. ZR2 Wide Stance Package); Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2004 GMC Jimmy, rear, optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G
• Fits 1994-2004 GMC Sonoma, rear, optional twin tube replacement; (Exc. ZR2 HighRider Package); Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2003 Chevrolet S10, rear, optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G
• Fits 1995-2003 GMC Sonoma, rear, optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G
• Fits 1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1996-2000 Isuzu Hombre, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1982-1994 Chevrolet S10, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1983-1994 Chevrolet S10 Blazer, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1992-1994 GMC Jimmy, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1991-1994 GMC Sonoma, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1983-1991 GMC S15 Jimmy, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G
• Fits 1982-1990 GMC S15, rear, replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G

What It Helps Correct

• Excessive rear bounce or oscillation after bumps
• Loose or unstable rear-end feel during lane changes
• Reduced tire contact from worn damping control
• Delayed body control during braking and cornering
• Uneven ride behavior caused by aging rear shocks

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify rear mount style and dimensions before installation, especially on GM S-Series vehicles with optional suspension packages. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s service procedure when replacing rear suspension components, and inspect related bushings, mounts, and hardware condition before reassembly. For Oldsmobile Bravada and similar applications, the manufacturer notes that the suspension strut and coil spring assembly should be replaced according to factory instructions.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and the Excel-G line is built on OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The 344041 is calibrated to restore original suspension performance for GM S10, Sonoma, Jimmy, and Blazer rear applications.