Parts for your 2012 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2012 Ford Ranger strut mounts

Based on the Ford Ranger PX (2011–2015) Workshop Manual (Front Suspension, Section 204‑01) and major aftermarket catalogues from shock specialists like Monroe and KYB, the 2012 Ford Ranger uses a front coil‑over “strut” assembly within a double‑wishbone suspension. It has a top mounting insulator often referred to as a strut mount. Unlike a MacPherson setup, this mount doesn’t house a steering bearing, the steering pivots on the upper and lower ball joints. So, yes—strut mounts are fitted, but they’re primarily a robust rubber/metal insulator, not a rotating bearing plate.

For the 2012 Ranger, the strut mount’s job is straightforward: securely locate the top of the coil‑over unit, absorb vibration and harshness before it reaches the body, and help the front end cope with vertical and diagonal loads when the ute is loaded, towing, or copping corrugations. In Aussie and Kiwi conditions—gravel, ruts and the odd washout—these mounts do a lot of quiet work keeping NVH at bay.

Because this isn’t a MacPherson car, a crook mount won’t usually cause notchy steering. Instead, signs of wear are more about noise and stability. Common tells:

• Clunks over sharp bumps or when turning into driveways
• Front‑end thud on take‑off or braking transfer
• Extra vibration or a drumming sensation through the floor
• Uneven front tyre wear or a “loose” feel on choppy roads

Best practice is to replace the strut mounts when fitting new front shocks/coilovers, or when upgrading to raised springs. The parts aren’t pricey compared with the labour saved by doing them while it’s apart. A quality spring compressor is essential, and the top nut and hardware should be torqued to spec from the workshop manual. Orientation matters—line up the mount and spring seat as marked by the manufacturer. Once refitted, a wheel alignment is a must, even on a double‑wishbone Ranger, ride height changes and fresh bushes can shift camber and caster.

Inspection every 40,000–60,000 km is sensible, sooner if the vehicle does heavy touring, beach work or carries a canopy and tools. Look for perished rubber, separated bonding, or deformed top hats. If fitting heavier‑rate springs or a lift, consider upgraded mounts designed for higher loads to keep ride quality tidy and reduce the chance of top‑out clunk.

Done right, fresh mounts restore the Ranger’s planted feel, tame rackety NVH, and help the new shocks do their best work across both city potholes and outback tracks.

Popular questions about 2012 Ford Ranger strut mounts

Do 2012 Ford Rangers actually have strut mounts, or just shock top hats?

They do have strut mounts. The front end is a coil‑over “strut” within a double‑wishbone setup, so the top mount is a heavy‑duty insulator rather than a MacPherson bearing plate. It bolts the assembly to the body and soaks up vibration.

When should the strut mounts be replaced on a 2012 Ranger?

Inspect them every 40,000–60,000 km, and replace when doing front shocks/springs, or if there are clunks, visible rubber cracking, or increased NVH. After off‑road trips or when adding heavier springs, upgrading the mounts is smart preventative maintenance.

Do Ranger strut mounts include a steering bearing?

No. Steering loads go through the upper and lower ball joints. The mount is a fixed insulator, there’s no rotating bearing like in a MacPherson design, which is why worn mounts usually present as noise or harshness rather than steering notchiness.