Parts for your 2002 Ford Falcon-Struts

2002 Ford Falcon struts

Based on factory specifications and workshop literature, a 2002 Ford Falcon does not use MacPherson struts. Both late AU Series III (built into 2002) and the new-for-2002 BA series run a double-wishbone (Short/Long Arm) front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber and anti-roll bar, not a load-bearing strut. Technical sources supporting this include Ford Australia’s New Model Service Information for BA (2002), Ellery’s Workshop Manual for Ford Falcon BA Series (2002–2005), and period technical summaries from GoAuto and Wheels magazine that describe the Falcon’s SLA front end and either live-axle with Watt’s linkage or multi-link IRS at the rear depending on variant.

Why no struts on this Falcon? In the SLA layout the shock absorber doesn’t act as a structural member of the suspension. Lateral loads are handled by the upper and lower control arms, while the coil-over shock handles damping and springing only. This setup gives Ford’s engineers better camber control through the suspension travel and suits the Falcon’s wide track and local ride-handling tune. At the rear, BA models either use a coil-sprung live axle with separate shocks or an independent multi-link arrangement with separate springs and shocks—again, no MacPherson struts.

If a parts listing mentions “front struts” for a 2002 Falcon, it’s usually using the word loosely to mean the front shock absorber. For this model, owners and techs should be looking at shocks, upper and lower control arm bushes, ball joints, sway-bar links and bushes, and rear shocks and bushes as the common service items rather than “strut assemblies”.

• Front: Double-wishbone SLA with coil-over shock and anti-roll bar (no strut).
• Rear: Coil-sprung live axle with shocks (base models) or independent rear suspension with separate spring and shock (select trims). No struts either way.

For everyday servicing, replace worn shocks in pairs, inspect control arm bushes and ball joints for play or cracking, check sway-bar links and bushes for knocks, and get a proper wheel alignment after any suspension work. Anyone chasing a tidy ride and confident handling on Aussie and Kiwi roads will get more benefit from fresh shocks and good bushes than trying to source “struts” that the Falcon doesn’t actually run.

Popular questions about 2002 Ford Falcon struts

Does a 2002 Ford Falcon have struts or shocks?

It has shocks, not MacPherson struts. The front end is double wishbone with a coil-over shock, and the rear uses separate shocks whether it’s live axle or IRS. So, order front and rear shock absorbers rather than strut assemblies.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2002 Falcon?

Focus on front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes, ball joints, and sway-bar links and bushes. On higher-kilometre cars, these items make the biggest difference to ride, tyre wear, and steering feel.

How can someone tell the shocks or bushes are worn on a BA-era Falcon?

Common signs include floaty or bouncy ride, cupped or uneven tyre wear, knocking over bumps, vague steering, and longer stopping distances after dips. A visual check for leaking shocks and cracked or perished bushes is a good starting point.