KYB343429 Excel-G Gas Shock

Had to reuse the OEM rubber isolators and cover. I had purchased the Monroe from local auto store but the piston was half the size of the OEM so I returned them and purchase these from Amazon. Far better than OEM quality. KYB is definitely Superior.

No mounting hardware included. My original shocks had a protective aluminim can welded in place over the upper shaft, which supported the washer and bushing used to secure the shock at the top. These shocks don't have a protective boot or can. In addition, the washers for my original shocks are slightly too small to seat properly in the upper shaft, so even if I wanted to use the old, worn washers and rubber bushings, I can't. In addition, the shoulder that a correctly sized washer would sit on is very narrow, and I can't imagine it holding. No information anywhere on where I can buy the mounting hardware for these.

Was looking for something just a hair more sporty than the OEM shocks for my car, and these greatly exceeded my expectations. While the OEM shocks have an almost bouncy ride when going over bumps, the KYB shocks reduced that bouncing feeling greatly and made my car feel completely stable, especially at highway speeds.

The KYB shocks are a good value and shock for my 2007 Ford Focus sedan. I replaced both rear shocks in about 1 hour so it wasn't very difficult. I like KYB shocks and will by them again for my other vehicles as needed.

This is an update. I bought these for the back, and their struts for the front. Had 3 out of 4 fail. Then a replacement one for the front failed too. They will replace them, but I decided to just buy another brand for the last 1. So beware. I would not buy again EVER. Very cheaply made. Probably made in Ghiiiiina.BTW in the front it was broken mounts. Rear shock leaked out.

Put these on my 03 Focus ZTS and the car drives much better after replacing with these. Make sure to buy the mount kit before removing the old shocks as they DO NOT come with the shocks. KYB Should have better instructions for installation to include the mount kit.

Shocks are great, but if you are going to buy them to replace originals, make sure you buy the shock mount kit also. Would of been nice to know before hand.

The KYB shocks for the Focus are good stuff, and they are made in Japan.However, I docked a star because the hardware is not included, and KYB's hardware is expensive (about $20 per kit at regular price). But the shocks and the mounts look like good stuff and fit just like OE and look just like the originals.If you can get the shock mount in the warehouse deals (usually under $10 each), I'd give the shocks 5 stars.But if you have to pay regular price for the mounts, just buy Monroe shocks instead. Monroe uses a different design than OE. Instead of the original-style mount, Monroe uses a simple rubber bushing. But more importantly, Monroe includes all the hardware with their shocks.