Parts for your 1996 Ford Falcon-Struts

1996 Ford Falcon and “struts” — what’s actually fitted

Chasing struts for a 1996 Ford Falcon? Here’s the straight talk: the EF/EL Falcon (1994–1998), which covers 1996 builds, doesn’t use MacPherson struts at the front or rear. Ford Australia’s EF/EL workshop literature and common repair manuals (Gregory’s/Max Ellery’s) specify a short-long arm (double wishbone) front end with coil springs and separate shock absorbers, plus a coil-sprung live rear axle (or IRS on some models) with separate shocks. Local parts catalogues from Monroe, KYB, Repco and Supercheap Auto back this up by listing shock absorbers rather than complete strut assemblies for EF/EL Falcons.

Why no struts? Ford stuck with the double wishbone setup to sharpen camber control and steering feel, handle the big inline-six under the bonnet, and stand up to Aussie and Kiwi roads and taxi-duty punishment. In a MacPherson strut system, the strut is a structural member that locates the hub and carries spring loads. The EF/EL uses control arms and a separate damper to do the job, so a “strut” simply isn’t part of the architecture. You may hear the term “strut rod” or “radius rod” on these cars, but that’s a forward-mounted link that sets caster — it’s not a MacPherson strut.

If the plan was to service or replace “struts”, the focus shifts to the correct bits instead. Think shocks, bushes and joints. That’s where the handling and ride quality live on a ’96 Falcon.

• Shocks: Inspect for leaks, dents and fade (excessive bounce or float). Many owners see 80,000–120,000 km as a practical window for replacement, earlier if towing, taxi/ride-share, or rough roads are common.
• Control arm and radius-rod bushes: Look for cracking, separation or oil-soaked rubber. Noises over bumps and vague steering are tell-tales.
• Ball joints and sway bar links: Check for play and perished boots.
• Tyres and alignment: Uneven tyre wear or pulling to one side points to tired bushes/shocks or alignment out of spec. Always torque rubber bushes at normal ride height and book a proper wheel alignment after suspension work.

Bottom line: a 1996 Falcon doesn’t have struts to swap, but it absolutely benefits from fresh shocks and healthy bushes. Do that right and it’ll feel tight, stable and predictable on Kiwi and Aussie roads.

FAQ 1: Does a 1996 Ford Falcon have front struts?

No. The EF/EL Falcon uses a double wishbone (SLA) front suspension with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. That’s confirmed in Ford’s EF/EL workshop documentation and popular service manuals, and echoed by local parts catalogues that list shocks, not strut cartridges or assemblies.

FAQ 2: What should be replaced instead of struts on a ’96 Falcon?

Look at the shocks (front and rear), control arm and radius-rod bushes, ball joints, and sway bar links. These are the wear items that affect ride and handling. After any suspension work, get a wheel alignment to keep tyre wear even and steering sweet.

FAQ 3: Are “strut rods” on an EF/EL the same as struts?

Different parts. The “strut rod” (also called a radius or caster rod) is a fore-aft link that helps set caster and stabilise the lower control arm. A MacPherson strut is a structural damper assembly that the Falcon doesn’t use. Don’t mix them up when ordering parts.