KYB: Premium Vehicle Control & Safety Products

What This Brand Covers

KYB manufactures shocks and struts as both an original equipment supplier to vehicle manufacturers and an aftermarket replacement parts brand, giving it OE-level engineering and fitment accuracy across an extremely broad range of makes and models. Product lines span from economy sedans to heavy-duty trucks, electric vehicles, and lifted off-road applications.

OEM-Level Fitment Accuracy

Because KYB supplies shocks and struts directly to automakers as original equipment, aftermarket KYB replacement parts are engineered to the same specifications as what left the factory, reducing the guesswork common with generic replacement shocks.

Broad Platform Coverage

KYB fitment spans compact cars like the Toyota Corolla Cross, midsize sedans like the Camry and Malibu, full-size trucks like the Silverado and F-150, and electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf and Ford F-150 Lightning, making it one of the widest-reaching shock and strut brands available.

Excel-G Gas Shocks and Struts

Excel-G is KYB's standard-replacement gas-charged shock and strut line, built to match factory ride quality and handling characteristics. Excel-G applications in stock include the Dodge Durango, Ford Focus ST, Ram Promaster, Ford Ranger, Toyota Corolla Cross and Camry, and Nissan Leaf.

Strut-Plus Complete Assemblies

Strut-Plus assemblies combine the strut, coil spring, and mount into a single pre-assembled unit, simplifying installation compared to sourcing individual components. Strut-Plus assemblies are available for the Infiniti M35H and M37.

Gas-a-Just and MonoMax Performance and Heavy-Duty Shocks

Gas-a-Just shocks are tuned for a firmer, more performance-oriented ride and are available for the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon. MonoMax shocks use a monotube design suited for heavy-duty truck applications, with fitment for the Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra 1500 and 2500HD, and the Ford F-150 and F-150 Lightning.

Strut Mounts and Mount Kits

Strut mount kits for the Chevrolet Malibu, Buick LaCrosse and Regal Sportback, and Infiniti QX4/Nissan platforms replace the bearing and rubber isolator that the strut pivots and rides on, a common wear point that causes clunking and uneven tire wear when worn.

Truck-Plus, JAOS, and Leveling Kit Components

Truck-Plus shocks and JAOS off-road shock components extend KYB's coverage into light truck and off-road applications, while leveling assembly components support front-end lift corrections on trucks and SUVs. KYB also produces steering stabilizers and self-leveling and electronic shock components for platforms equipped with factory adaptive suspension.

Where KYB Fits in a Build

• Daily driver ride restoration. Excel-G shocks and struts across compact and midsize platforms
• Full-size truck towing and hauling. MonoMax shocks for Silverado, Sierra, and F-150
• Electric vehicle replacement. Excel-G shocks for Nissan Leaf and Ford F-150 Lightning
• Mid-size truck performance. Gas-a-Just shocks for Colorado and Canyon
• Complete strut replacement. Strut-Plus pre-assembled units for Infiniti platforms

Top Shock and Strut Brands

• KYB. OEM-supplier shocks, struts, and complete strut assemblies
• Bilstein. Monotube performance shocks and struts
• Monroe. OE-style replacement shocks and struts
• Rancho. Off-road and lifted application shocks
• Bilstein B8. Performance-tuned OE-replacement shocks
• Fox. Off-road and overland shock absorbers
• Gabriel. Economy and standard replacement shocks

How to Choose the Correct KYB Part

• Confirm the exact year, make, model, and trim of the vehicle
• Determine whether a strut, shock, or complete Strut-Plus assembly is needed
• Check whether the vehicle has factory adaptive or self-leveling suspension before ordering
• Verify front versus rear application, since shocks and struts differ front to rear
• Confirm spring rate compatibility if replacing only the strut without the spring
• Check whether a strut mount or bearing plate is needed alongside the strut
• Confirm alignment requirements after front strut replacement
• Verify ride height expectations, since some applications include self-leveling function
• Check whether a leveling kit component is compatible with existing suspension
• Replace shocks or struts in pairs for even handling side to side

Common Questions

What is the difference between Excel-G and Gas-a-Just shocks?

Excel-G is tuned to match factory ride quality for a standard replacement feel, while Gas-a-Just is tuned for a firmer, more performance-oriented ride response.

Do I need to replace both front struts at the same time?

It is strongly recommended. Struts wear at a similar rate on both sides, and replacing only one can create uneven handling and ride height side to side.

What is included in a KYB Strut-Plus assembly?

A Strut-Plus assembly includes the strut, coil spring, and upper mount pre-assembled as a single unit, which simplifies installation compared to sourcing and assembling individual components.

Will replacing my struts require an alignment?

Yes, in most cases. Front strut replacement can affect camber and caster settings, so a wheel alignment is recommended after installation.

Can I install MonoMax shocks on a stock height truck?

Yes, MonoMax shocks are engineered as heavy-duty replacements for stock ride height, though some applications also fit mildly lifted trucks. Check the specific fitment listing to confirm.

Do electric vehicles need different shocks than gas vehicles?

Electric vehicles are often heavier due to battery weight, so KYB engineers EV-specific shocks like those for the Nissan Leaf and F-150 Lightning to handle the added mass appropriately.

What causes a strut mount to wear out?

Strut mounts wear from repeated steering input and suspension cycling, and a worn mount often causes a clunking noise or looseness felt through the steering wheel.

Are KYB shocks a good match for a vehicle with self-leveling suspension?

KYB produces specific self-leveling and electronic shock components designed to work with factory adaptive suspension systems, so it is important to select the correct part number for that function.

How do I know if my shocks or struts need replacement?

Common signs include a bouncy or floating ride, uneven tire wear, nose diving under braking, or visible fluid leaking from the shock body.

Do KYB parts come with a warranty?

KYB shocks and struts typically include a manufacturer warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. Check the specific product listing for warranty length and terms.

Why Buy KYB from Black Ops Auto Works

Black Ops Auto Works stocks 967 KYB SKUs with OE-level fitment accuracy across nearly every make and model on the road, from compact cars to heavy-duty trucks and EVs. Our team can help confirm the correct Excel-G, Strut-Plus, Gas-a-Just, or MonoMax application before you order.

To complete a suspension refresh, also browse our Shocks and Struts, Coilovers, Suspension, and Bilstein collections.