KYB 349101 Shock Absorber - Rear

KYB Excel-G Rear Shock Absorber

The KYB Excel-G 349101 is a rear suspension shock absorber built to restore original ride control, stability, and handling response. It is a direct OE-style replacement for select Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, and Mercury Mariner models, with vehicle-specific damping calibrated for factory performance.

KYB’s Excel-G line is an Original Equipment for the Aftermarket solution made on the same assembly lines used for OE production. For drivers replacing a worn rear shock on a 2008-2012 Ford Escape, 2008-2011 Mazda Tribute, or 2008-2011 Mercury Mariner, this part number 349101 is engineered to return the suspension to its designed behavior.

Key Features

• OE-style replacement rear shock absorber for SUVs and crossovers
• Nitrogen gas-charged, twin-tube design
• Vehicle-specific, hand-assembled damping valves for controlled tire contact and steering response
• Triple-lip fluid seal helps reduce oil and gas leakage
• Strong strut body and bracket construction to help maintain alignment under load
• Dust cover included
• Lower mount type: E2(16X40); upper mount type: S1
• Compressed length: 14.80 in; extended length: 25.04 in; stroke length: 10.24 in

Detailed Description

The KYB Excel-G 349101 is tuned to restore the factory ride characteristics of the rear suspension rather than change them. Its OE-calibrated damping helps manage body motion, braking stability, lane-change response, and tire contact, which is especially important on vehicles with electronic safety systems that rely on suspension performance staying within manufacturer specifications. This rear shock absorber is a direct fit for 2008-2012 Ford Escape, 2008-2011 Mazda Tribute, and 2008-2011 Mercury Mariner rear applications.

This part cross-references Monroe Shocks & Struts 37318 for the same application.

What It Helps Address

• Excessive rear bounce or oscillation
• Reduced stability during braking and cornering
• Loose or delayed steering response from worn rear damping
• Uneven tire contact caused by weak suspension control
• Noise or fluid loss associated with aging shock absorber seals

Installation Notes and Tips

Install according to the manufacturer’s instructions and replace the suspension strut and coil spring assembly as specified for the vehicle. Verify rear mounting points, ride height, and suspension condition before installation. For best results, inspect related wear items such as springs, bushings, and tires while servicing the rear suspension on Ford Escape, Mazda Tribute, or Mercury Mariner models.

Quality Assurance

KYB is a major OE supplier, and the Excel-G line is produced on the same assembly lines used for original equipment production. The 349101 uses OE-quality components and application-specific damping calibration to support factory-style ride control and handling.