Parts for your 2008 Ford Territory-Struts

2008 Ford Territory struts — are they actually a thing?

For anyone hunting “2008 Ford Territory struts”, here’s the straight answer: the Territory doesn’t use MacPherson struts at the front or the rear. Instead, it runs a short/long arm (double-wishbone) front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, and a Control Blade independent rear suspension (multi-link) with separate links and a shock/spring setup. In other words, it has shock absorbers and springs, not structural struts.

This isn’t just workshop lore. Technical sources describe the architecture clearly: the Ford Territory SY/SY II Workshop Manual (Ford Motor Company Australia) specifies a double-wishbone front end (SLA) with the damper not acting as a structural member, and a Control Blade IRS at the rear. Ford Australia’s engineering material for the Territory also highlights the adoption of Falcon-derived SLA front suspension for camber control and steering precision, and Control Blade IRS for stability and ride comfort. Independent spec databases used in trade workshops (e.g., Autodata/InfoTech style references) list shocks, not struts, for this model year.

Why no struts on a Territory? Three big reasons make sense for an Aussie family SUV that often tows, carries loads, and, in many cases, runs AWD:

• Geometry and tyre life: SLA front suspension gives better camber gain and wheel control over bumps and under load than a typical MacPherson strut.
• AWD packaging: the front differential and driveshafts package neatly with wishbones, without relying on a strut tower to carry suspension loads.
• Ride and steering feel: the Falcon-derived layout was chosen for precise steering and a composed ride on rough country roads.

So if the Territory doesn’t have struts, what should owners look after? Think shocks (front and rear), upper mounts, bump stops and dust boots, sway-bar links, and control arm bushes/ball joints. A good rule of thumb is to have the suspension inspected every 20,000 km or annually. Tell-tales for tired shocks include floaty behaviour, longer stopping distances, cupping on the tyres, rattles over corrugations, and oil weeping on the damper bodies. Replacing shocks in axle pairs, then getting a wheel alignment, keeps it driving straight and protects tyres. If it’s an AWD or a vehicle that tows a van or boat, don’t be shy about stepping up to heavy-duty shocks and fresh bushes, it’s money well spent for stability and safety.

Technical references (no external links provided):

• Ford Territory SY/SY II Workshop Manual (Ford Motor Company Australia): Front suspension specified as double-wishbone (SLA), rear as Control Blade IRS.
• Ford Australia engineering/press materials for Territory: Falcon-derived SLA front end and Control Blade IRS noted for handling and packaging benefits.
• Trade specification databases (workshop-use): Territory listed with shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts, for 2008 models.

Popular questions

Does a 2008 Ford Territory have struts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front end with coil-over shocks and a Control Blade independent rear suspension. The shocks aren’t structural members like a MacPherson strut, they damp motion only.

What should be replaced if the Territory rides rough, instead of “struts”?
Look to front and rear shock absorbers, top mounts, bump stops and dust boots, sway-bar links, and worn control arm bushes/ball joints. Always do an alignment after suspension work.

Are “strut tops” the same as the Territory’s top mounts?
Shops sometimes use “strut top” as a generic term. On a 2008 Territory, they’re shock absorber mounts, not true strut bearings. If they’re cracked or noisy, replace them with the shocks as a set.