KYB 344269 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 344269 is a rear suspension shock absorber engineered to restore original ride control on select Ford, Mercury, and Mazda applications. Built on KYB OE assembly lines with OE-quality components, this nitrogen gas-charged twin-tube shock is calibrated to return factory handling characteristics without changing the vehicle’s intended feel.

For drivers searching for a rear shock for a Ford Explorer, Explorer Sport Trac, or Mercury Mountaineer, the KYB Excel-G 344269 provides a direct replacement solution focused on stability, steering response, and body motion control.

Key Features

• KYB Excel-G line, an OE-style replacement shock for SUVs and crossovers
• 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 movement
• Strong strut body and bracket design helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included
• Compressed length: 15.28 in; extended length: 26.1 in; stroke length: 10.83 in

Product Details

KYB Excel-G shocks are built to restore the vehicle’s original suspension behavior rather than alter it. Part number 344269 uses a rear-mount configuration with lower mount type E2(12X38) and upper mount type E3(61.6X87X0). This design supports consistent damping performance on vehicles where rear suspension control is critical for braking stability, lane-change response, and overall handling. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 37035 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive rear bounce after bumps
• Reduced stability during braking or cornering
• Loose or unsettled rear-end handling
• Uneven tire contact caused by worn damping
• Suspension noise or leakage from a failing shock absorber

Installation Notes

Compatible With 1991-1994 Ford Explorer, rear; 1995-2001 Ford Explorer, rear; 2001-2003 Ford Explorer Sport, rear; 2001-2005 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, rear; 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer, rear; and 1991-1994 Mazda Navajo, rear. Follow manufacturer instructions and replace the suspension strut and coil spring assembly where specified for the application. Verify rear suspension configuration before installation, especially on 1995-2001 Ford Explorer models with adjustable suspension and 1997-2001 Mercury Mountaineer models with electronic adjustable suspension exclusions.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE shock and strut supplier, and the Excel-G line is produced on the same KYB OE assembly lines using OE-quality components. The 344269 is classified as an Original Equipment for the Aftermarket replacement, with calibration aimed at restoring factory-designed performance on the listed Ford, Mercury, and Mazda rear suspension applications.