If you’ve ever looked to buy brand new shocks for your vehicle, you have probably heard the name KYB before. This is because KYB is the manufacturer of some of the most premium quality shocks given their price range and is a candidate you should most definitely consider for your car.
If your shock has been in use for a long time, it has likely worn out by the time you are reading this. Worn-out shock results in a noticeably lower quality of performance, and using a newer shock system can greatly affect your driving experience for the better. For a complete suspension system, you will need struts as well.
Here is a list of the best KYB shocks, which we hope will help in guiding you as you make your choice!
How We Made The List
To come up with this list, we have looked at several different factors you will want to consider when making your buying decision. These factors included performance factors such as stability at high speeds, no excessive bouncing, absorption from uneven terrain, responsive steering, and balanced weight distribution throughout the vehicle. Other things help change these factors, such as steering fluids, but having a good shock system remains all-important.
A below-par shock system isn’t just any other inconvenience; it is potentially dangerous for the passengers of the car. A lack of control while driving your car can lead to situations where the driver may not be able to handle the vehicle and end up in an accident.
When making the list, we have also taken a look at the different price points at which the shocks are being offered and have thought about the various needs of the consumers. So, if you want to go off-roading or get a new shock system to help you in your daily use, we have got you covered!
Top 3 Best KYB Shocks
Best Choice
KYB 349075 Excel-G Gas Shock
- Electronic Stability Control
- OEA Classification
- Triple chrome plated piston rod
Premium Choice
KYB 565102 MonoMax Gas Shock
- 40% more damping performance
- A rubber seal helps prevent dirt
- Truck monotube design
Best in Budget
KYB 344268 Excel-G Gas Shock
- Precision, sintered iron strut guide
- Twin-tube design
- Seamless working cylinder
Best KYB Shocks Reviews
KYB 349075 Excel-G Gas Shock
The KYB 349075 Excel-G Gas shock system directly aids your vehicle by improving its handling and control. It is the most expensive option on this list and has all the features to go along and justify the price tag.
It has a twin-tube design and is charged with Nitrogen gas. The piston rods are triple chrome-plated, which helps increase the durability of the shock. It comes with Electronic Stability Control, keeping all the electronic safety systems ready. The tire’s lifespan is also greatly benefitted by the use of this shock. It is designed to have little to no risk of any leaking.
The shock helps in maintaining wheel alignment and shows an improved stopping distance. The mounting eye rings are seamless, which helps in noise reduction. For better stability, you should look to install new brakes in your vehicle.
If you want to go for an option where you demand the best performance and the most safety from your car, this shock might be the right choice for you.
Features
- Electronic Stability Control
- OEA Classification
- Triple chrome plated piston rod
Pros
- Increased stability
- It helps increase the longevity of tires
- Improved wheel alignment
Cons
- A bit pricey
2. KYB 565102 MonoMax Gas Shock
The KYB 565102 MonoMax Gas Shock is one of the most robust options available for a shock. The shock is built for extreme conditions, and if you are someone who plans on taking their car to uncharted territories, we would recommend you use this as your go-to.
One thing to keep in mind is that this shock is designed for use in trucks and SUVs.
The upgrade in its performance will give you one of the most noticeable changes among all the other options. The increase in damping performance is increased by 40% compared to other shocks.
This may be the perfect option for someone who is off-roads for their truck. If you do off-road, you might want to check out some good intake systems for your vehicle.
The shock comes with a rubber sealing that protects it from dirt and other materials. The piston ring is Zinc coated, and the piston rod’s diameter is half an inch.
The design of the shock is a truck monotube design. This is what helps it in giving the performance upgrade that it does. Trucks and SUVs usually have a high center of gravity, and this shock helps provide them with the stability that they require.
Features:
- 40% more damping performance
- A rubber seal helps prevent dirt
- Truck monotube design
Pros:
- Easy installation
- Works well with heavy tier vehicles
- You can use it for rough tasks
Cons:
- It might not properly fit on all vehicles
3. KYB 344268 Excel-G Gas Shock
Number three is one of the cheapest options you can find. Though the price point is lower than all the other choices on this list, it does not mean that it is an inferior product. The KYB 344268 Excel-G Gas Shock will, like any other KYB shock, meet your expectations of what a KYB shock should be like.
The calibration on this shock is carefully done in a manner that will help your vehicle in restoring its handling and stability. The shock also works well in correcting the wheel alignment of the vehicle. It can do this because of the precision, sintered iron strut guide.
The materials used in this shock are of the highest quality and make this choice a good value proposition. KYB has used a lot of similar components from their pricier models, which makes this shock stand out amongst the rest.
If you’re looking to get a shock for daily use, this is one option that we would highly recommend.
Features
- Precision, sintered iron strut guide
- Twin-tube design
- Seamless working cylinder
Pros
- One of the cheaper options in the market
- Restored handling and control
Cons
- It may not be as versatile as some other options
4. KYB 344353 Excel-G Gas Shock
If you’re someone who drives a Honda or an Acura, you’re in luck. The KYB 344353 Excel-G Gas Shock is a specifically calibrated shock for both automobiles. However, the shock is still great for use in other vehicles such as SUVs.
The shock features most of the specifications of KYB’s Excel-G Gas Shock models. It can respond to different road conditions through its patented velocity sensitivity valve. This valve is effective in reducing foaming.
The shock is great at delivering what is expected of it. It offers many performance benefits such as stability, handling, and the smoothness of the overall drive. This shock is an option that offers a great amount of comfort.
The shock also compensates for other weak suspension systems with its factory calibration.
If you’re looking to have a ride where you can cruise with all the comfort you could want, this is not a bad choice.
Features
- Works with electronic safety systems
- Original handling and stability
Pros
- Comfortable
- Durable
- Easy installation
Cons
- Bolt holes are too thin
5. KYB KG4513 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock
The KYB KG4513 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock has a whole lot going for it. The monotube design will work wonders for your vehicles. This design will never experience any shock fade and will increase the steering responsiveness of your vehicle by over 30% compared to a twin-tube design.
Regarding damping performance, the shock produces more than a 25% better performance when compared with the original pieces of equipment. Another thing about the design is that it follows a high gas pressure system. This system provides a level of control that most shocks in the market cannot compete with.
There is no performance fade either due to the one-of-a-kind hydraulic system.
The shock is perfect for you if you do work which requires carrying a high amount of load and can be relied upon to perform in harsh conditions. It not only handles such harsh conditions, but it excels in them too by providing high stability, control, and maneuverability. All these factors make this one of the best KYB shocks.
Features
- Large diameter cylinders
- Checks for load changes to balance quickly
- A high gas pressure system provides control
Pros
- Durability under harsh conditions
- Great damping performance
- Increased responsiveness
Cons
- Bolt holes are not wide enough
Things To Consider When Buying Best KYB Shock
Different Types of Shocks
There are a few different types of shocks in the market. When you’re about to buy one for your vehicle, it is important to know all the options you have before making your choice. The different types of shocks are gas, overload, air, heavy-duty, standard, and automatic level control shocks. All of these shocks have a uniqueness of their own in terms of their functionality which means that you will have to look at your own needs and then decide which type of shock you want. It works the same way as looking for a set of tires for your vehicle.
Type Of Vehicle
It would be best if you got a shock designed for the vehicle type you own. Many shocks are specifically designed to work best only with the type of vehicle they are made for. The shocks made for high-tier vehicles are built keeping their height in mind. This is because they need to find a perfect balance of stability for those vehicles. Using those shocks on a low-tier vehicle would not bring the same performance benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions For Best KYB Shocks
- Does the location of manufacturing of KYB shocks affect its quality?
Ans. No, each product that KYB produces follows its design respectively. When the products are sent for manufacturing, all the details are sent along with them. This ensures that the products are uniform in quality no matter the location.
- Why is my vehicle making noises ever since I installed new shocks?
Ans. When you have installed new shocks and start to hear some voice, it probably means that you made a mistake during the installation. You could link this mistake to mounting the shocks. To fix it, try to remove the shocks and reinstall them. Look for areas where the fitting is not proper and try to maneuver the component to make sure it fits properly. This should stop any noise that was previously being heard.
- When should I look to replace my shocks?
Ans. There are various moments when you want to look for a replacement for your shocks. One of the most common reasons amongst people is to replace their shocks when they start experiencing problems with their vehicle, such as noise, leakages, etc. Some people like to have their cars running like brand new for a long time; these people usually look to replace their shocks after a certain amount of time so that they can preserve their vehicle’s performance. There are also many instances when car enthusiasts want to improve upon the original condition of their car and when they are doing so, they look to get new shocks.
- If my shocks aren’t working as they used to before, will they affect my vehicle’s tires?
Ans. Yes, a properly functioning shock system helps keep the tires’ movements in check. If the shocks are worn out, they will negatively affect the tires. If you find that your tires are worn out, then you should check out our list of the best tires on the market. If you want to keep your tires in good condition, you should also look to rotate them after a certain amount of time.
Conclusion:
The market for shocks is filled with many different brands, such as Monroe, with most of them producing quality products. KYB, for a long time, has been delivering upon its commitment to satisfy its customers, and it has become one of the leading brands in this industry.
We recommend you check out KYB’s products because of their durability, functions, designs, and prices. On top of that, their products usually come with great warranty terms, which makes their offerings even more attractive.
We hope that this article has served as a comprehensive guide in helping you to figure out the best KYB shocks for your vehicle.
