Parts for your 2004 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2004 Ford Ranger strut mounts — are they used?

The 2004 Ford Ranger isn’t fitted with MacPherson struts, so it doesn’t use strut mounts. Up front it runs a short/long arm (double wishbone) independent suspension with separate shock absorbers and either coil springs (many 4x2 models) or torsion bars (common on 4x4). The rear rides on leaf springs with separate shocks. There’s no strut tower or rotating top strut bearing in this setup. This layout is documented in the Ford 2004 Ranger Workshop Manual (Section 204-01 Front Suspension) and reflected in the Ford Master Parts Catalog for Ranger (1998–2005), which list shocks, control arms, and bushings—but no strut assemblies or top strut mounts.

Why no strut mounts? A strut mount is part of a MacPherson strut system where the spring and damper are combined into a single unit that also carries steering loads, the mount at the top includes a bearing so the assembly can turn with the steering. The Ranger’s SLA design separates these jobs: the shock absorber doesn’t rotate with the steering and is mounted with simple bushings, while the control arms and ball joints handle wheel location and steering loads. So there’s simply no need—or place—for a strut mount.

Owners seeing “strut mount” listings for this model are usually looking at generic catalogue terms. On a 2004 Ranger, the closest equivalents are the upper and lower shock mounts and their rubber bushings/washers. If there’s clunking over bumps, wandering steering, or uneven tyre wear, attention is better spent on these common wear items:

• Front shocks and their upper/lower bushings and hardware
• Upper and lower control arm bushings and ball joints
• Sway bar links and D-bushes
• Rear shocks, leaf-spring bushes, and shackle hardware

As part of regular servicing in Australia or New Zealand conditions, a suspension inspection every 20,000–30,000 kilometres is sensible, with shock replacement typically considered around 80,000–100,000 kilometres depending on use. After any suspension work, a wheel alignment is wise to keep tyre wear and handling in check. If upgrading for towing or off-road work, quality shocks, fresh control arm bushes, and appropriate springs will deliver far better results than chasing non-existent strut mounts.

FAQs

Does a 2004 Ford Ranger have strut mounts?
No. It uses double wishbones with separate shocks (and coils or torsion bars) up front and leaf springs with shocks at the rear. There’s no MacPherson strut or strut mount on this model.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 2004 Ranger?
Check front and rear shock absorbers and their bushings, upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, and rear leaf-spring bushes and shackles. These are the usual culprits for knocks, vibration, or vague steering.

Can a MacPherson strut conversion be fitted to a 2004 Ranger?
It’s not practical. Converting would require major structural changes to the chassis and towers, custom geometry, and certification. Better gains come from quality shocks, fresh bushes, and appropriate springs for how the ute is used.