Review on KYB 341276 Excel G Gas Strut by Joseph Quintana

Like many other reviewers here I bought these for my 2005 Subaru Outback. They definitely have higher damping than stock shocks. Although they are much stiffer than stockers, I wouldn't describe the handling as harsh, just very controlled and serious. It should be noted that they are about a half inch shorter than the stock 2005 shocks. Don't worry, that's not a problem at all. As far as I can tell, the travel range is within the acceptable limits of the shock, so you don't have to worry about the shock failing. Also, since these shocks are a bit shorter, make sure to tighten the 17mm nut. that you are actually tightening the support nut on the end of the shock piston. If you don't have enough compression on the spring, you might think you've tightened the nut enough, but it won't fully seat. This manifests itself in the form of rattling or knocking at the rear of the vehicle when driving over bumps. Do not let that happen!