KYB Excel-G Stock Ride Height Front Shock | 4WD (1979-95 Pickup)

KYB Excel-G Stock Height Front Shock

For 1979–1995 Toyota Pickup 4WD at factory / stock suspension ride height

Overview

The KYB Excel-G Front Shock is a nitrogen-gas-charged, twin-tube replacement designed to restore stock-style ride comfort and suspension control. It replaces the left or right front shock on factory-height Toyota Pickup 4WD models.

The 1979–1985 factory solid-front-axle application uses a longer shock and a different lower mount than the 1986–1995 independent front suspension (IFS) application. Choose the correct Year Range for the original front suspension.

Key Features

• Stock-height shock for factory front mounting locations
• Nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube design for original-style damping
• Application-specific compression and rebound valving
• Multi-lip fluid seal and chrome-plated piston rod
• Non-adjustable shock without an external reservoir
• Available individually or as a pair for both front sides

Application-Specific Shock Dimensions

1979–1985 Pickup 4WD — Solid Front Axle

• Extended Length: 16.73 in.
• Compressed Length: 10.24 in.
• Shock Travel: 6.50 in.
• Upper Mount: Threaded stem
• Lower Mount: 12 mm eye

1986–1995 Pickup 4WD — Independent Front Suspension (IFS)

• Extended Length: 13.70 in.
• Compressed Length: 9.09 in.
• Shock Travel: 4.61 in.
• Upper Mount: Threaded stem
• Lower Mount: 16 mm eye

Vehicle Fitment

All applications: Toyota Pickup 4WD, stock-height front suspension.

• 1979–1983 Toyota Pickup – 1st Gen – 4WD – Solid Front Axle
• 1984–1985 Toyota Pickup – 2nd Gen – 4WD – Solid Front Axle
• 1986–1988 Toyota Pickup – 2nd Gen – 4WD – Independent Front Suspension
• 1989–1995 Toyota Pickup – 3rd Gen – 4WD – Independent Front Suspension

Fitment Notes

• 4WD Toyota Pickup models only; does not fit 2WD models.
• The 1979–1985 solid-front-axle and 1986–1995 IFS shock applications are not interchangeable.
• Factory / stock suspension height only. Not designed as a dedicated lift or long-travel shock.
• Does not cover solid-axle conversions on IFS trucks, lowered or lifted suspension, or relocated shock mounts. Modified vehicles require comparison with actual shock lengths and installed mounts.
• Does not fit Toyota Tacoma, including 1995 Tacoma.

Product Specifications

• Brand / Series: KYB Excel-G
• Component: Front shock absorber
• Internal Design: Nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube
• Ride Height: Factory / Stock
• Position: Front left or right
• Drivetrain: 4WD only
• Damping: Non-adjustable
• Finish: Black
• Quantity Required Per Vehicle: 2

Which Front Shock Should You Buy?

KYB Excel-G — Best for Factory-Style Comfort & Value

Choose KYB Excel-G if your Toyota Pickup is at stock ride height and you want an affordable replacement that restores original-style ride comfort and handling. Its nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube design focuses on factory-like damping rather than a firmer performance-oriented feel.

Bilstein B6 4600 — Best for Overall Stock-Height Performance

Choose Bilstein B6 4600 if you want an upgrade in suspension control while maintaining factory ride height. Its high-pressure monotube construction and digressive valving provide a firmer, more controlled response, making it an excellent choice for daily driving, highway travel, towing, and occasional off-road use.

ARB / Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus — Best for OME Suspension Builds & Demanding Use

Choose Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus if your Pickup uses a matched OME suspension system, regularly travels rough terrain, or carries additional permanent equipment. Its heavy-duty, gas-charged twin-tube design features vehicle-specific damping developed for different loads and suspension configurations.

Our Recommendation: For most Toyota Pickup owners maintaining factory ride height, Bilstein B6 4600 is our preferred all-around choice. Choose KYB Excel-G if factory-style comfort and affordability are your priorities. Choose Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus when your suspension setup and driving conditions call for its OME-specific damping.

Important Fitment Note: For 1979–1985 solid-front-axle Pickups, the Old Man Emu option is intended for matched OME front leaf springs with approximately 2 inches of lift—not a standard stock-height replacement. For 1986–1995 IFS Pickups, the Old Man Emu option supports stock height through approximately 2 inches of front lift when properly configured. The KYB Excel-G and Bilstein B6 4600 options listed here are intended for factory ride height.

Available Configurations

1979-1985 / Single

Includes:

• (1) front KYB Excel-G shock absorber for the factory solid front axle configuration

1979-1985 / Pair

Includes:

• (2) front KYB Excel-G shock absorbers for the factory solid front axle configuration

1986-1995 / Single

Includes:

• (1) front KYB Excel-G shock absorber for the factory independent front suspension configuration

1986-1995 / Pair

Includes:

• (2) front KYB Excel-G shock absorbers for the factory independent front suspension configuration

Important: Lower mounting fasteners are not included.