KYB 344268 Shock Absorber - Front

KYB Excel-G Front Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 344268 is a front suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, steering response, and body stability. It is a direct-fit OE-style replacement for select Ford Ranger, Ford Explorer, Mazda B2300, Mazda B3000, Mazda B4000, Mazda Navajo, and Ford Bronco II applications.

KYB Excel-G is part of KYB’s Excel-G line, a nitrogen gas-charged twin-tube design assembled on KYB OE production lines with OE-quality components. The goal of the line is to return the vehicle to its designed damping characteristics rather than change the ride feel.

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock
• Restores designed control, handling, and lane-change response
• 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 construction helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included
• Front position application

Detailed Product Overview

Part number 344268 is engineered for front suspension service where consistent damping is needed to control bounce, braking dive, and steering instability. The KYB Excel-G 344268 uses a twin-tube, nitrogen gas-charged design with OE-calibrated valving to match the original suspension response on compatible Ford and Mazda trucks and SUVs. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts (e.g., 37015) for the same application.

Compatible With 1990-1997 Ford Ranger, front; 1991-1994 Ford Explorer, front; 1990 Ford Bronco II, front; 1989 Ford Ranger, front; 1994-1997 Mazda B2300, front; 1994-1997 Mazda B3000, front; 1994-1997 Mazda B4000, front; and 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo, front. For Ford Ranger and Mazda B-series fitment searches, KYB 344268 is the OE-style front shock absorber to reference.

Common Problems This Part Addresses

• Excessive front-end bounce after bumps
• Loose or unstable steering feel during lane changes
• Nose dive under braking
• Uneven tire contact caused by weak damping
• Reduced suspension control on worn OE shocks

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify front suspension fitment by year, make, model, and notes before ordering. Some listed Mazda applications require replacement of the suspension strut and coil spring assembly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Compressed length is 9.29 in., extended length is 14.21 in., and stroke length is 4.92 in. Lower mount type is E1 and upper mount type is S1. Dust cover is included; internal rebound spring and B-stop are not included.

Quality Assurance

KYB supplies shocks and struts to new vehicle manufacturers, and the Excel-G line is built on the same KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The 344268 is calibrated to restore original performance characteristics for the listed front applications.