Parts for your 2013 Ford Falcon-Struts

2013 Ford Falcon struts — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no, the 2013 Ford Falcon (FG MkII) doesn’t use MacPherson struts. It runs a short-long arm (SLA) double‑wishbone front end with coil‑over shock absorbers, and a Control Blade independent rear suspension with separate dampers. That layout means there are no “struts” acting as structural suspension members. Technical references that document this include the Ford FG/FG MkII Falcon Workshop Manual (Section 204‑01: Front Suspension), the Ford Australia FG MkII Falcon brochure’s chassis specifications, and period technical reviews from Australian motoring media that call out the double‑wishbone front and Control Blade IRS.

Why no struts? Ford engineered the Falcon’s chassis for camber control, steering precision and ride comfort across Aussie and Kiwi roads. A double‑wishbone front end keeps the tyre flatter on the road through corners, which suits the Falcon’s size and performance variants (XR6 Turbo, XR8). It also gives the engineers freedom to tune geometry without relying on a strut tower to carry steering and suspension loads. Out back, the Control Blade IRS separates the spring/damper from wheel location duties, improving compliance and boot packaging.

What this means for servicing is that owners aren’t replacing “struts” at all. The correct focus is on shocks (dampers), control arm bushes, ball joints and sway bar links, along with regular alignments and tyre health. Practical guidance for a tidy, comfy Falcon:

• Inspect front and rear shock absorbers every 20,000–30,000 km, replace when they’re weeping oil, feeling floaty, or causing cupped tyre wear. Many cars need shocks somewhere between 80,000 and 150,000 km depending on use.
• Check front upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints for play or cracking, worn items knock over bumps and chew tyres.
• Listen for worn stabiliser (sway) bar links and D‑bushes, they’re common wear points and cheap to sort.
• Get a wheel alignment after any suspension work, a decent pothole strike, or if it starts tram‑tracking.
• Choose quality dampers matched to the model (taxi-duty or towing may benefit from heavy‑duty options).

If a workshop quotes “strut” replacement on a 2013 Falcon, it’s usually a language mix‑up. Ask them to specify the front or rear shock absorber assemblies and any mounts/bushes being replaced. That’ll keep the big Ford riding right without paying for parts it simply doesn’t have.

Does a 2013 Ford Falcon have struts?

No. The FG MkII Falcon uses a double‑wishbone front suspension with coil‑over shock absorbers and a Control Blade independent rear, so there are no MacPherson struts. This is documented in the Ford FG/FG MkII Workshop Manual and the model’s published specifications.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 2013 Falcon?

Focus on front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links and D‑bushes. Pair that with regular wheel alignments and tyre inspections for even wear and a settled ride.

Can MacPherson struts be retrofitted to a Falcon?

Not practically. Converting to struts would require major structural changes and engineering certification. It’s far better to refresh the existing shocks, bushes and joints, or upgrade to quality aftermarket dampers and springs designed for the FG platform.