{"product_id":"gabriel-ultra-rear-shock-absorber-69966-for-96-02-mercedes-e-class","title":"Gabriel Ultra Rear Shock Absorber 69966 for 96-02 Mercedes E-Class","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur review of the Gabriel Ultra Rear Shock Absorber 69966 finds it best suited for Mercedes E-Class owners who want a straightforward OE replacement that improves ride comfort and handling. The single biggest reason to buy is the combination of precision twin tube engineering and Gabriel's G-Force damping technology, which together restore controlled ride quality on worn or original equipment rear mounts. Installed as a single-pack rear unit, it targets drivers seeking reliable, durable damping without modifying suspension geometry.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVehicle fitment:\u003c\/strong\u003e Designed specifically for 96-99 Mercedes-Benz E300, 96-02 E320 sedan, 97 E420 and 98-02 E430, ensuring accurate mounting and alignment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium damping technology:\u003c\/strong\u003e Infinitely Variable Damping via Gabriel G-Force tech delivers controlled response across varied road conditions for improved comfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTwin tube design:\u003c\/strong\u003e Precision engineered twin tube construction provides consistent performance and predictable handling during normal driving.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurability and installation:\u003c\/strong\u003e Simple bolt-on installation with components engineered for long lasting use under typical road and weather conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eConcrete dimensions:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clear sizing with a 6.35 in stroke, 17.62 in extended length and 11.27 in collapsed length to match factory geometry.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis shock is aimed at owners of late 1990s to early 2000s Mercedes E-Class sedans who need a direct rear shock replacement and value improved ride quality and predictable handling. It is a good choice for DIY mechanics who want a straightforward bolt-on swap and for shops replacing single rear units to restore balance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is not targeted at drivers seeking custom suspension tuning, lowered ride height, or motorsport upgrades; those users should look to adjustable or sport-specific dampers. Also buyers who need a front shock or a matched complete set should note this listing is a single rear shock pack.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eQuality OE-style replacement that fits the listed Mercedes models without modification.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNoticeable improvement in ride quality and shock quality compared with worn originals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEasy installation and solid durability for everyday driving conditions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSold as a single pack rear shock so a complete axle replacement requires ordering two units.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNot adjustable, so it cannot be tuned for race or specialized handling setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVehicle fitment\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e96-99 E300; 96-02 E320 sedan; 97 E420; 98-02 E430\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStroke (in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6.35\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExtended length (in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e17.62\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCollapsed length (in)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e11.27\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUpper mount code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eS33\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLower mount code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eES3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterchange part numbers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e39021, 370439, 2701-423937, 69966, 748308, 553198, KG4743\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Gabriel Ultra Rear Shock 69966 is a sensible OE-style replacement for E-Class owners who need to restore ride comfort and stability. With precision twin tube construction and Gabriel's damping tech, it delivers consistent performance and good value over time. Buy it if you want reliable, easy-to-install rear damping that brings back composed handling without complex adjustments.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a single shock or a pair?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis listing is for one rear shock absorber (1 pack); replace both sides if you want a matched axle set.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill it bolt into my E320 sedan?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the unit is specified to fit 96-02 Mercedes-Benz E320 sedan with matching upper and lower mount codes.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs it adjustable?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eNo, this Gabriel Ultra shock uses a fixed Infinitely Variable Damping system and is not manually adjustable.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gabriel","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48250355024091,"sku":"B000E8OTJQ","price":50.78,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41sxtUGEOLL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770926885","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/gabriel-ultra-rear-shock-absorber-69966-for-96-02-mercedes-e-class","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}