KYB Round-Up: Gas-A-Just vs MonoMax vs Excel G Shocks
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You’d be surprised how often I get asked about these three shocks and their differences. I mean, it’s expected – each of them is considered a KYB flagship product.
People don’t compare MonoMax to Excel G, they’re too different. However, I do get queries about KYB Gas-A-Just vs MonoMax on one hand; and the Gas-A-Just vs Excel G on the other.
If you’ve been having the same thoughts, this in-depth post is for you.
I know some of you are busy, though. So before the charts and paragraphs, here’s a quick overview of where each shock excels:
Product | Image | ||
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For heavy hauls & off-road terrain
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KYB MonoMax
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Check Prices & Fit |
Product | Image | ||
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Balanced performance & large tire support
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KYB Gas-A-Just
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Check Prices & Fit |
Product | Image | ||
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As close to OEM as it gets
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KYB Excel G
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Check Prices & Fit |
Explaining damping differences:
A KYB shocks graph
Most people know what damping is (and how it feels).
Some don’t realize that damping itself is a combination of compression and rebound cycles. Without being too technical:
- Compression deals with bump/road imperfection absorption when your wheel moves upwards to tackle the irregularities. Higher compression means less body roll and better control at higher speeds or harsher terrain.
– - Rebound is the process of the suspension returning back to its initial position after the bump/road imperfection has been met. Higher rebound rates again mean less body roll, but they also mean your shock will be ready to compress again faster.
That said, here are the overall damping rates of the three KYB shocks. I’ve used stock (OEM) shock absorbers as the 100% baseline:
In other words, KYB goes from +40% on MonoMax, to +25% on Gas-A-Just to ~10% on Excel G.
However, as I said, there is a catch. Technically, the MonoMax shocks will ride harsher due to its increased compression + rebound rates.
Things change when you factor in how loaded your vehicle is, though. On empty loads, a MonoMax will ride noticeably stiffer than any either KYB. On heavy loads, however, any Excel G will rattle and even Gas-A-Justs won’t feel as smooth.
Additionally, with anything else except MonoMax, you risk component damage. There’s a moderate chance that road bumps/potholes will cause your axle to hit the frame when hauling heavier loads.
KYB MonoMax vs Gas-A-Just shocks:
The higher-end lineup
Why higher-end?
Well, it all starts with the shock body design. Unlike the twin-tube Excel G, both the MonoMax and Gas-A-Just are monotube shock absorbers.
Basically, you have two separate chambers: one for the gas (nitrogen) and one for the hydraulic fluid. This design approach vastly improves damping capabilities and prevents any aeration.
The monotube design and the larger tire support is where the similarities between Gas-A-Just and MonoMax end.
First of all, KYB MonoMax is fully equipped to deal with towing trailers or extreme terrain. This readiness is a mix of reinforced construction (zinc-coated piston ring), dust boots to deal with gravel/dirt, and improved oil diffusion.
Furthermore, some MonoMax applications fully support lifted vehicles.
Gas-A-Justs are mainly aimed at stock-height vehicles and more specifically – light trucks or SUVs/crossovers.
That said, Gas-A-Justs have slightly more travel than the MonoMaxes.
As I noted earlier, there is a significant difference in how these two shocks are calibrated. A difference between 25% firmer damping than OEM and 40% is quite significant; especially on unloaded vehicles.
Put the MonoMax on any heavy-duty truck that you want to use for towing, modifications, or extreme terrain traversing. The heavy-duty construction and several design perks totally make a difference.
Leave the Gas-A-Justs for stock vehicles with larger tires that need a more controlled ride than OEM. If you have a light truck that doesn’t haul much, Gas-A-Just will be better too. The MonoMax will ride too stiff on emptier vehicles.
Product | Image | ||
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For heavy hauls & off-road terrain
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KYB MonoMax
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Check Prices & Fit |
Product | Image | ||
---|---|---|---|
Balanced performance & large tire support
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KYB Gas-A-Just
|
Check Prices & Fit |
KYB Gas-A-Just vs Excel G:
So close, yet so far
I realize why people compare these two shocks, but I still feel they’re too different.
As I mentioned earlier, the first big difference lies in the design.
Excel G are twin-tube shocks, much like most OEM shock absorbers. They don’t deal as well with heat dissipation and the smaller piston means you get subpar damping compared to the monotube Gas-A-Just.
Furthermore, while Gas-A-Justs support larger wheels or tires, Excel G can’t handle anything more than stock tires.
In all other aspects, KYB Gas-A-Just takes the core Excel G features and takes them up a notch. Both shocks feature improved steering response, cornering capabilities, and rear support to enhance your brake performance.
If you want your vehicle to feel as close to OEM as possible, get the Excel G shocks or struts.
As I’ve outlined in other posts, I believe they are the best options for sedans.
On light trucks or SUVs with aftermarket tires, I’d always go with Gas-A-Just absorbers. Especially if you’ll be loading your car a bit more. Gas-A-Just is a more progressive shock, they regulate their damping rates by adapting to weight.
Also, keep in mind that there’s no GR2 to compare the Gas-A-Just to. All GR2s are now Excel G shocks.
Product | Image | ||
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As close to OEM as it gets
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KYB Excel G
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Check Prices & Fit |
Product | Image | ||
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Balanced performance & large tire support
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KYB Gas-A-Just
|
Check Prices & Fit |
Summary
This post outlines most of the main differences I usually tell people about when they inquire about these three shocks. As I said, I consider each one of these a KYB flagship, catering to a specific set of needs any car owner might have.
If you’re a vanilla vehicle enthusiast, you can check my article on how Excel G compares to OEM shocks. I’ve mentioned some more in-depth differences there, as here I mainly focused on aftermarket suspension solutions.
In case you want to venture out to other similarly priced brands, there’s always Monroe. Generally, the equivalent to KYB MonoMax is the Monroe Magnum – I’ve written about these shocks too.
Though in all fairness, I consider MonoMax to be more heavy-duty and better equipped for off-road conditions. Both can be great solutions as RV shocks on a budget too.
Anyways, if you need any additional information, don’t hesitate to shoot a comment under this post. I’ll do my best to reply.
Some general pointers to vehicles I’d recommend each shock absorber for:
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- KYB MonoMax: For HD trucks such as Chevy Silverado 1500/2500/3500; Ford F-150, F-250, or F-350 Superduty or 4×4; Dodge Ram 2500 or 3500; Toyota Tacoma or Tundra.
– - KYB Gas-A-Just: For light or mid-sized trucks such as Dodge Dakota or SUVs like Toyota 4Runner, some SUVs like Ford Bronco. These work exceptionally well for classic muscle cars such as Chevrolet El Camino, older Camaro, Monte Carlo, many 60s-80s Ford cars.
– - KYB Excel G: For SUVs ranging from Toyota RAV4 to Honda CR-V; struts for sedans or compact cars ranging from any Honda Accord, Pilot, or Fit; Lexus ES300 or ES350; Toyota Corolla, Nissan Altima etc.
Cheers!
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hi Xander
thanks for your post – really great information.
what’s your opinion of putting Excel G up front and Gas A just at the rear for cars like Toyota 4Runner? Does that give the best of both worlds?
Hey Cliff!
It’s possible, I believe, though I’ve not personally done this (or seen somebody in my circles) do this.
Theoretically, it should be alright as long as you keep the pairs the same (Excel G + Excel G at front; GaJ x GaJ at the rear). I worry that the slightly higher damping of the Gas A Justs might affect your front suspension. It shouldn’t be too much of a gap, but different people ‘feel’ their vehicle in different ways, right?
Maybe double check at the 4runner forums if people did this and it felt alright to them?
Be sure to carefully check the Excel Gs too – there are different sets for 2WD or 4WD 4Runner. Some online vendors don’t clarify which fits the proper setup and I’ve heard people returning the ‘wrong’ WD Excels due to sloppy ride feel.
Cheers!
Xander
Que es más suave para un hachbak mazda 2.5 2012 excel G o a gas a just