KYB Shocks Explained: Which Line Is Right for Your Vehicle?
Posted by Sean Law-Bowman on
KYB shocks don’t carry the dealership price tag, but there’s a good chance they’re the same brand sitting behind that counter. As an OEM supplier for a ton of manufacturers, many vehicles roll off the lot on KYBs without the owner ever knowing. And if your rig didn’t come with them, KYB does an exceptional job matching that factory feel. So let’s break down their three main product lines and help you figure out which one fits your driving style and needs.
KYB EXCEL-G
The Excel-G line of gas-charged twin-tube shocks is their most basic OE replacement, designed simply to restore your vehicle to how it rode and handled when new. Nothing more, nothing less. As a supplier of dampers to a wide array of car companies, there is a pretty good chance they are the same ones your vehicle actually rolled off the assembly line with. Otherwise, KYB is known for pulling stock shocks, putting them on their dynos, and simply matching the curve with their valving. So even if your vehicle did not hit the dealership with KYBs, it should feel just as good, or bad, with a set of Excel-Gs.
KYB Gas-A-Just
Contrary to the name, the Gas-A-Just shocks are not adjustable, but they are monotube with 36mm pistons. Actual piston size will vary on the lesser Excel G line, but you can be confident that the Gas-A-Just will have a larger-diameter piston with greater damping potential. This is not a shock that will transform your ride and handling, but it will certainly offer a slight increase in stability and support. So you can expect a bit more big-bump support and maybe a bit less body roll and brake dive, without an appreciable loss in small-bump compliance or overall comfort.
Although they are usually meant to be a slight performance upgrade, if you have a vehicle with a higher-end or more off-road-oriented factory suspension system (think TRD Off Roads, Z71s, etc.), these might be the recommended OE replacement for your application. In either case, the cost difference from the Excel G is so minimal, you might as well go this route if you are looking for an OE replacement anyway.
KYB MonoMax
Where the Gas-A-Just name makes little sense, the MonoMax is fairly true to it's name, offering a monotube design as well, but taking it to the max with a 46 mm piston. Although they bolt on like a stock shock, these are not truly an OE replacement in the conventional sense, as they are tuned and designed for heavier loads, bigger tires, and rougher conditions. These are not for people looking to spend more to get a more Cadillac-like feel, but if you need more of your suspension and do not mind feeling a little more of the smaller imperfections in the road, these are a strong contender, especially at their price. KYB also offers these shocks for a very select few lifted applications, so if you are in the market for a relatively cheap shock to pair with a lift on a vehicle that sees a fair amount of load, they are a strong option. Once again, not the softest shock on the block, but you would be hard-pressed to find something that performs better under a load anywhere near their price point.
