KYB 344081 Shock Absorber - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Shock Absorber 344081

KYB Excel-G 344081 is a front suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control on a wide range of domestic vehicles. It is a nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design made on KYB OE assembly lines with OE-quality components for predictable handling and stability.

The Excel-G line focuses on returning the vehicle to its designed damping characteristics rather than changing the ride feel. For applications such as Chevrolet Astro, GMC Safari, Ford Crown Victoria, and Mercury Grand Marquis, that means consistent steering response, body control, and braking stability.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock for domestic vehicles
• Restores designed control, handling, and ride stability
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube construction
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact and body motion
• Strong strut body and bracket design helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• R-stop feature included

Product Line Details

KYB Excel-G is KYB’s Original Equipment for the Aftermarket line. It is calibrated to match original suspension performance and is built using the same manufacturing approach and quality standards KYB supplies to new vehicle manufacturers. Part number 344081 is a front shock absorber for applications that require OE-style ride control.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 37063) for the same application.

Vehicle Fitment

• Fits 1996-2005 Chevrolet Astro, front; optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G.
• Fits 1996-2005 GMC Safari, front; optional twin tube replacement; Excel-G.
• Fits 1997-2004 Dodge Dakota, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G.
• Fits 1999-2003 Dodge Durango, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G.
• Fits 2000-2002 Ford Crown Victoria, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; bushing kit C0522 required with KG5458 and 344081 on police/taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 2000-2002 Mercury Grand Marquis, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; bushing kit C0522 required with KG5458 and 344081 on police/taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1992-1999 Ford Crown Victoria, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1983-1999 Mercury Grand Marquis, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1971-1996 Chevrolet Caprice, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1994-1996 Chevrolet Impala, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G.
• Fits 1985-1995 Chevrolet Astro, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G.
• Fits 1985-1995 GMC Safari, front; replace suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to manufacturer's instructions; Excel-G.
• Fits 1983-1986 Ford LTD, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1971-1985 Chevrolet Impala, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1981 Chevrolet Bel Air, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.
• Fits 1971-1975 Chevrolet Bel Air, front; recommended OEM replacement; police car and taxi; Excel-G.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive front-end bounce after bumps
• Loose or unstable steering feel
• Reduced braking stability from worn damping
• Body roll during lane changes and cornering
• Uneven tire contact caused by weak shock control

Installation Notes

Verify compressed length, extended length, stroke, and mount types before installation: compressed length 9.17, extended length 14.09, stroke length 4.92, lower mount type E3(50.4X77X15), and upper mount type S1. Some listed applications require suspension strut and coil spring assembly replacement according to the vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. For police and taxi applications on select Ford and Mercury models, bushing kit C0522 is required with KG5458 and 344081.

Quality Assurance

KYB manufactures Excel-G on OE assembly lines using OE-quality components and application-specific damping calibration. The design is intended to restore original suspension performance and support proper operation of vehicle systems that depend on suspension, brakes, and tire contact.