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

KYB Excel-G / Gas-a-Just Stock Ride Height Front Shock

For 1979–1995 Toyota Pickup 4WD with stock-height rear suspension. 

Overview

Choose the ride character that suits your Toyota Pickup while retaining the factory front shock mounting locations and stock suspension height. Factory Comfort — Excel-G uses a gas-charged twin-tube design for factory-like ride characteristics, everyday driving, comfort, and value. Firmer Control — Gas-a-Just uses a high-pressure gas monotube design for firmer, more responsive damping and improved suspension control.

The 1979–1985 factory solid-front-axle application and the 1986–1995 independent-front-suspension application use different shock dimensions and lower mounts. Choose the Year Range that matches the vehicle's original front suspension.

Key Features

• Stock-height front shock options for factory mounting locations
• Factory Comfort — Excel-G: nitrogen-gas-charged twin-tube construction tuned for factory-like ride quality
• Firmer Control — Gas-a-Just: high-pressure gas monotube construction with firmer, more responsive damping
• Application-specific valving and dimensions for the solid-axle and IFS year ranges
• Non-adjustable designs without external reservoirs
• Available individually or as a matched front pair

Vehicle Fitment

All applications: Toyota Pickup 4WD with 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. These are not dedicated lift or long-travel shocks.
• Each shock fits the left or right front position within its listed Year Range.
• Lower-mount fasteners are not included.
• Gas-a-Just does not increase vehicle payload capacity. It changes damping response and ride character only.

Product Specifications

• Brand: KYB
• Position: Front, left or right
• Ride Height: Factory / stock height
• Factory Comfort — Excel-G Construction: Gas-charged twin-tube
• Firmer Control — Gas-a-Just Construction: High-pressure gas monotube
• Adjustability: Non-adjustable
• Reservoir: None
• Quantity: Single shock or front pair

Which Front Shock Should You Buy?

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

Choose KYB Excel-G for an affordable, factory-style replacement that prioritizes comfortable everyday driving and original-style ride quality at stock height. Its gas-charged twin-tube design emphasizes smooth, predictable damping.

KYB Gas-a-Just — Best for Firmer Stock-Height Control

Choose KYB Gas-a-Just for firmer, more responsive monotube damping without stepping up to Bilstein. It provides a more controlled ride feel without changing suspension height or vehicle payload capacity.

Bilstein B6 4600 — Best for Overall Stock-Height Performance

Choose Bilstein B6 4600 for premium monotube damping with velocity-sensitive digressive valving that provides controlled, responsive handling during daily driving, highway travel, and light off-road use.

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

Choose OME Nitrocharger Plus for matched OME suspension setups, frequent rough-road use, or vehicles carrying additional equipment weight. The 1979–1985 solid-axle version is intended for matched OME front leaf springs with approximately 2 inches of lift, while the 1986–1995 IFS version supports stock height through approximately 2 inches of lift.

Our Recommendation: For most stock-height Toyota Pickup 4WD owners, Bilstein B6 4600 is our preferred all-around choice. Choose KYB Excel-G for comfort and value, KYB Gas-a-Just for firmer budget-friendly control, or Old Man Emu Nitrocharger Plus for compatible OME suspension builds and more demanding use.

Available Configurations

Choose your preferred configuration using the available vehicle-year, ride-preference, and quantity options.

1. Vehicle Year

• 1979–1985: Toyota Pickup 4WD with factory solid front axle.

• 1986–1995: Toyota Pickup 4WD with factory independent front suspension (IFS).

2. Ride Preference

• Factory Comfort — Excel-G: KYB gas-charged twin-tube front shock for comfortable, factory-style ride quality and everyday driving.

• Firmer Control — Gas-a-Just: KYB high-pressure gas monotube front shock for firmer, more responsive damping and improved suspension control.

3. Quantity

• Single: Includes (1) front shock absorber in the selected style and year range.

• Pair: Includes (2) matching front shock absorbers in the selected style and year range.