KYB Performance Test

KYB takes to the test track and beyond to evaluate new and worn shock performance with professional test drivers.

On the road and test track, professional drivers equipped with data acquisition equipment run identical SUVs through their paces. The only difference between the vehicles was the shocks and struts.

How do new, lost cost shocks and struts compare to worn OE?
Do new shocks help braking?
Does KYB Strut-Plus help stop 6 feet shorter?
Are new shocks worth it?

I put some kyb on the front of my car over 8yrs ago and went for a test drive and fell in love with how the car handled i couldn't even get the front to move, it was so stiff and smooth at the same time, when my cousin felt how the car handled he got jealous and went to buy some for his car too because we had the same car

[sanjaygandhi]

I agree with the KYB experts. I just replaced my Monroe Quick Struts with KYB Excel G shocks and MOOG springs on my 2005 4Runner. The difference was clear. The Monroe Quick Struts were never good even when new.

[scottbrown]

Every set of KYB Excel G dampers I installed on my civics over the years has been a definite upgrade.
I also am anticipating the coming release of the Excel G front struts for the Ford Fiesta i currently have!

[operator]

I just installed luv mono shocks on my 95 f150 and I love them. Kyb is way better breaking and better on nose dive on breaking. The control on dirt roads is great the rebound when hitting washboard is so nice

[MarcoMoreno]

Front and rear shocks for my classic 1995 Lincon Town Car Cartier Edition. Performance on the highway went to 120%!

[mitchmarkota]

2003 Sequoia 4X4 -
Was using the other shock and how back to the KYBs, which is the Toyota OEM supplier. TRUE HIGH QUALITY and Well Engineered and built product. You'll be extremely pleased with this product. Ensure you replace the front upper steyt mounts when installing new front struts.

[BrandonWest]

I’ve replaced shocks/struts on what will be my 5th vehicle needing replacement (this newest one is a 2014 Lincoln Navigator with 140k miles on OE original struts) all with KYB. I’ve tried all of it from the old GR-2 moniker, Gas-a-just, Monomax, and Excel-G. As a spirited and confident driver, the level of control I gain after installing KYB products is second to none. In emergency maneuvers, that level of control counts the most. KYB saved my old 1987 Nissan 300ZX from rear ending an emergency braker looking to make a VERY sudden left turn. The maneuverability of my recently replaced shocks and struts allowed me to swerve (when I realized that braking distance was too short to avoid a collision) and dodge the suddenly stopping vehicle in front of me.

Also, I get kinda sad when I find that KYB doesn’t have replacement parts for vehicles. Found this with a 2011 Ford Taurus and a 2019 Honda Odyssey 😂.

Cool video, I’ll check out the others in the series.

[subigt]

If i remember correctly, at one point the KYB website said that the KYB GR-2/EXCEL-G STRUT
Are 10% stiffer than the OEM suspension

[slpip]

I can't believe they don't talk like pros about the vibration, shock-absorbing, and handling of the KYB shocks. Good shocks can handle any bumps like passing through nothing in a vehicle.

[jogmas]

In my situation the old shocks on my vehicle had to be replaced because as dampers they were old and just didn’t work anymore as shocks. Completely useless. I looked around for new replacements from various shock manufacturers but finally settling on KYB. The drivability of my old truck is greatly restored as a result.

[Shrimpkebab]

Scotty Kilmer recommend this over Monroe shocks; will be installing the Excel-G shocks on my 01 frontier, will update y’all when I have driven it enough.

[billthomas]

My Nissan dealer recommended them as front strut assembly replacements for my 2014 Leaf. Looks like good advice.

[jouseff_]

Im 80 percent sure that the cheap competitor and their premium competitor are monroe monroematic and oespectrum struts 😅😂

[airborne_v]

I just installed mono max for n my Cummins truck as old shocks are just breaking from Alberta potholes fingers crossed 😊

[JohnnyBradbury]

I would have loved to see a side by side comparison of how y'alls suspension vs. a NEW OEM set up compared.

[aleksanderthegreat]

The 1st car(a 1998 Toyota Starlet) i got 1 year ago was equipped with KYB excel G all around, and they even had almost 90.000km on them.
Yet, they felt really nice and during a highway sudden emergency brake from the car in front of me (bmw 418 2012) doing 110km/hour i instantly knew my brakes would NOT stop as fast as his and i had to make an extremely sharp right turn and throw the car onto the next lane over.
The car responded INSTANTLY, went onto the right hand lane and instantly stabilized itself...i was extremely amazed by how well these shocks handled that sharp "throw" of the car.
Mind you the car was wearing 165/70/13 tires and has a lot of bodyroll so that alongside the fact that these have 90.000kms on them just amazes me.
I am planning on replacing them soon with a new set of KYB Excel Gs and pairing them either with Eibach Pro lowering springs or H&R lowering springs.

[davidashcroft]

Thanks for the reply. I am seriously thinking of installing KYB rear springs and shocks on my 2014 Mitubishi Mirage. It has 118, 000 km and seems to softly sprung. I don't want to lower it at all just firm it up. Thanks.

[ejshelby]

Lexus GX and LX use KYB. They are specially designed and can’t be bought as after market replacement but these two are the best riding body on frame vehicles

[SilverMustangGT]

Who was the “premium competitor” my guess is Monroe lol

[cleenlivin]

I put KYB Strut Plus parts on the front and rear of a used Ford Expedition I bought at auction. It road okay until you hit a bump (acted like a dolphin swimming) or made a sudden stop (nose dive city). It also leaned a lot when changing lanes on the highway. Not a fun feeling in such a big vehicle.

When I first went to change everything out I found it already had aftermarket shocks/struts installed which made swapping in other struts/shocks and using the existing coil springs a no go. I checked around and went with KYB since the non-oem brand already on it didn’t impress me. After the change to the KYB’s the handling was greatly improved. The ride height was raised a bit and the rear can feel stiff when you ride over bumps without any weight in the back. Much safer stops better ride and handling.