KYB 344042 Shock Absorber - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Shock Absorber for GM S-Series

The KYB Excel-G 344042 is a front suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and steering response. It is an OE-style replacement for GM S-Series applications, including Chevrolet S10, Chevrolet Blazer, GMC Sonoma, GMC Jimmy, and related models.

KYB Excel-G is the brand’s OEA line, meaning it is built on the same KYB OE assembly lines with OE-quality components and damping calibration aimed at returning the vehicle to its designed performance. The 344042 part number is a direct choice for drivers and technicians looking for a front shock that matches factory behavior rather than changing it.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock for front suspension service
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design for controlled damping
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves for tire contact and steering response
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Dust cover included for added protection
• Strong strut body and bracket construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• R-stop included; internal rebound spring and B-stop are not included
• Lower mount type: E2 (12.8 x 41.3); upper mount type: E2 (12.8 x 41.3)

Product Details

The KYB Excel-G line is focused on restoring factory ride characteristics, making it a practical choice for GM S10, S10 Blazer, Sonoma, Jimmy, and Blazer front suspension repair. This shock absorber is calibrated to manage body movement, braking stability, lane-change response, and overall handling in the way the vehicle manufacturer intended. Part number 344042 is also cross-referenced to Monroe Shocks & Struts 32194 for the same application.

For vehicles with electronic safety systems, maintaining proper suspension performance matters because braking, tire contact, and steering inputs all work together. The KYB Excel-G 344042 helps keep those systems operating as designed by restoring the front suspension’s damping control. If you are replacing worn front shocks on a Chevrolet S10 front suspension or GMC Sonoma front suspension, this OE-style shock is built for that service.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive bouncing after bumps
• Loose or unstable front-end handling
• Longer stopping feel caused by worn damping
• Poor steering response during lane changes
• Uneven tire contact from reduced suspension control

Installation Notes

• Compatible With 1983-2005 Chevrolet S10 front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1983-1994 Chevrolet S10 Blazer front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1995-2005 Chevrolet Blazer front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1983-2004 GMC Sonoma front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1983-2005 GMC Jimmy front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1983-1991 GMC S15 Jimmy front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1983-1990 GMC S15 front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1991-1994 Oldsmobile Bravada front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1996-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada front applications listed in the fitment data
• Compatible With 1998-2000 Isuzu Hombre front applications listed in the fitment data
• Replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions where noted in fitment
• KYB recommends new strut mounts, part number SM5042, to reduce noise and vibration

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and Excel-G is produced on KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The 344042 is calibrated as an Original Equipment for the Aftermarket replacement to restore designed suspension performance for GM S-Series front applications.