Review on 🔧 KYB Excel-G Gas Shock 345023 by Scott Ward

Significantly improved and stiffer handling of my 1999 Land Cruiser that still had the original 96K shocks (I bought them used). Installation was easy. The matching front shock absorbers (345022) were easy to fit, taking approximately 45 minutes per shock and no special tools were required other than a torque wrench. Before installation, the ride was very shaky, which was easy to notice when braking and stopping as the entire car pitched forward and rebounded. After installation, the ride became stable, with no heeling or rolling. These KYB 345023 were the rear shock absorbers for my Land Cruiser. Installation was extremely difficult, but that wasn't due to the dampers. The upper bolt access points on the Land Cruiser are very tight and as this is a New York based car 15 years of rust has taken its toll and the bolts have rusted through. I've tried everything including PB blaster overnight, Rustoleum freeze and release spray (a waste of money and I feel like a chump for even buying it), blowtorch, etc. Nothing helped. After researching some forums I found a solution to simply use a saber saw (Sawzall) to cut through the lower shock absorber, straight through the upper rubber mount and finally the stainless steel shaft. It was a terrifying experience due to the amount of burning rubber and tiny ships of steel filings falling on me, but the shock eventually wore off. Then I managed to get the top bracket and the rusty bolt. After that, it was easy to install a new shock absorber and tighten the bolts. Needless to say, I used anti-seize on all the threads, so I'm hoping the screw will come loose next time. As for the damper itself, it worked great, the difference in handling is obvious immediately after leaving the road, no more jumping or jerking under braking. And no more side rocking in curves. These are very high quality shock absorbers made in Japan, maybe better or at least as good as the Toyota OEM. Expect them to last and they were reasonably priced. A+.