KYB 344426 Shock Absorber - Front or Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 344426 is a nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and handling. It is an OE-style replacement for domestic trucks and classic utility vehicles, including select Jeep, Toyota Land Cruiser, Ford Econoline, and Mitsubishi Van applications.

KYB Excel-G is built on the same KYB OE assembly lines used for original equipment supply, with OE-quality components and vehicle-specific damping calibration. For drivers restoring a Jeep CJ5 rear suspension or a Toyota Land Cruiser front suspension, the goal is consistent control rather than changing the vehicle’s factory behavior.

Key Features

• KYB recommended OEM replacement shock for domestic trucks
• Restores designed control, handling, and body motion management
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves manage tire contact and steering response
• Supports proper operation of electronic safety systems by maintaining suspension behavior as engineered
• Strong, thick strut body and bracket design helps minimize flex and maintain alignment
• Dust cover included

Product Details

The Excel-G line is KYB’s Original Equipment for the Aftermarket offering, focused on returning the suspension to factory-like performance. Part number 344426 uses a twin-tube, gas-charged design with upper and lower E1 mount types, 11.18 in. compressed length, 18.07 in. extended length, and 6.89 in. stroke length. This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 31000 and Gabriel G63299 for the same application.

Compatible With select 1959-1981 Jeep CJ5 front applications, 1959-1971 Jeep CJ5 rear applications, 1976-1981 Jeep CJ7 front applications, 1981 Jeep Scrambler front applications, 1963-1965 Jeep Wagoneer front and rear applications, 1966-1973 Jeep Wagoneer front and rear applications, 1969-1984 Toyota Land Cruiser front applications, 1961-1967 Ford Econoline rear applications, and 1987-1990 Mitsubishi Van rear applications. KYB 344426 is a direct-fit suspension shock absorber for restoring factory ride control on these vehicles.

Common Issues This Part Can Address

• Excessive bouncing after bumps or dips
• Loose or unstable handling during lane changes
• Reduced tire contact and inconsistent steering response
• Body movement that feels uncontrolled in braking or cornering
• Suspension performance that has drifted from factory behavior

Installation Notes and Tips

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for replacing the suspension strut and coil spring assembly where required.
• Verify mount type, compressed length, and extended length before installation.
• Inspect related suspension components, including springs, bushings, and mounting points, before fitting the shock.
• Use the listed vehicle application and position data to confirm front or rear placement before ordering.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE supplier of shocks and struts, and the Excel-G line is assembled using OE-quality components on KYB production lines. That OE-focused manufacturing approach is intended to restore original suspension performance for vehicles such as the Jeep CJ5, Jeep Wagoneer, and Toyota Land Cruiser.