AW11 KYB Excel-G Rear Strut Cartridge | Serviceable Housing (1984-89 MR2)

KYB Excel-G Rear Strut Cartridge

For 1984–1989 Toyota MR2 AW11 / MK1 equipped with original serviceable rear strut housings and stock-height suspension.

Overview

The KYB Excel-G rear strut cartridge helps restore the original ride comfort and handling of the 1984–1989 Toyota MR2 AW11. Its nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube design controls suspension movement with fixed damping, making it a straightforward choice for a factory-style suspension refresh.

This shock absorber cartridge fits inside the original serviceable rear strut housing. The Early Housing option covers 06/1984–06/1986 Japanese-market production and 1985–1986 U.S.-market cars; the Late Housing option covers 1987–1989 U.S.-market cars. These options must match the original housing application.

Key Features

• Factory-style ride control: Designed to restore original handling and comfort.
• Triple-chrome-plated piston rod: Its smooth surface helps reduce seal wear.
• Multi-lip oil seal: Helps keep damper fluid in and dirt out.
• Seamless steel inner cylinder and PTFE piston band: Help direct fluid through the damping valves for consistent control.

Vehicle Fitment

Toyota MR2 — AW11 / MK1

• 1984–1986: JDM / 4A-GE / 06/1984–06/1986 production / original early serviceable rear housings.
• 1985–1986: U.S.-Market / Original early serviceable rear housings.
• 1987–1989: U.S.-Market / Original late serviceable rear housings, including 1988–1989 Supercharged models.

Position: Rear left or rear right.

Fitment Notes

• Housing selection: Early and late cartridges are different applications. A removable retaining nut identifies a serviceable housing, but does not identify whether it is the early or late version.
• Original, stock-height suspension only: Sealed struts and lowered, swapped, coilover or converted strut assemblies are excluded.
• Market limits: The Late Housing option covers U.S.-market cars only. Japanese-market coverage is limited to the Early Housing production range above.
• Brake-hose sealing gaskets: If a caliper brake-hose union is disconnected, new sealing gaskets are required: two per affected corner, or four for both rear corners. They are not included and must be sourced and purchased separately by the customer.

For a front-and-rear factory-style refresh, the KYB Excel-G Front Strut Cartridge is the matching front product for original serviceable front housings. The front and rear cartridges are separate applications.

Product Specifications

Brand: KYB
Series: Excel-G
Product Type: Rear strut cartridge (shock absorber insert)
Design: Twin-tube
Gas Charged: Nitrogen
Damping Adjustability: Non-adjustable
Color: Black

Which Rear Strut Insert Should You Buy?

KYB Excel-G — Best for Factory-Style Comfort and Everyday Driving

Choose Excel-G if you want to refresh a stock-height MR2 with original-style ride control and no damping settings to adjust.

KONI Sport Rear Strut Insert — Best for Drivers Who Want to Fine-Tune Suspension Feel

Choose KONI Sport if you want control over how quickly the suspension returns after a bump. Its adjustable rebound damping provides that tuning option; the correct housing-specific version is essential.

Our Recommendation: For a factory-style daily-driving refresh, choose Excel-G in the correct housing application. Choose KONI Sport when adjustable suspension response is a priority; each product has its own housing and fitment requirements.

Available Configurations

Choose the housing application, then the quantity. Both housing options are offered as a Single or Pair.

1. Year Range

• 1984–1986 
• 1987–1989 

2. Quantity

• Single: Includes (1) KYB Excel-G rear strut cartridge with mounting hardware.
• Pair: Includes (2) matching KYB Excel-G rear strut cartridges with mounting hardware.

Not included: Strut housings, springs, upper mounts, dust boots and bump stops.