Parts for your 2013 Ford Ranger-Coil springs

2013 Ford Ranger coil springs – what they do and when to replace them

Referencing technical sources, coil springs are absolutely relevant to the 2013 Ford Ranger (PX, 2011–2015). The Ford Workshop Manual (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), Ford Australia’s 2013 Ranger specifications, and independent service data (e.g., Haynes/Autodata for PX Ranger) all specify an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber (helical coil spring) and a rear live axle on leaf springs. So, the Ranger runs coil springs at the front, leaves at the rear.

Up front, the coil springs carry vehicle weight, set ride height, and allow the wheels to move over bumps while keeping the tyres planted. Paired with the struts, they tune ride comfort and handling, especially in a loaded or 4x4 scenario. The coils also help stabilise steering feel and braking by resisting nose-dive and body roll. On utes like the Ranger, the front coils work hard—particularly with bull bars, winches, dual batteries, and rough corrugations—so their condition has a big say in how the ute drives.

As part of routine servicing, it’s smart to inspect the front coils every 20,000 km or annually. Look for paint flaking, rust pitting, broken ends, sagging ride height, and perished top mounts. If the ute feels floaty, bottoms out, or drifts off line, the coils and struts may be tired. A quick ride-height check left-to-right can reveal sag.

• Nose-down stance or uneven hub-to-guard measurements
• Clunks/creaks over speed bumps or turning into driveways
• Tyre edge wear or pulling (alignment issues from sag)
• Visible rust, cracked coating, or a snapped coil end
• Bottoming out or harshness with only light loads

When replacing, do both fronts together to keep the ute level and predictable. Match spring rate to accessories and use quality components (springs, strut mounts, bearings). After install, torque bushes at ride height and get a wheel alignment. If fitting heavier-duty coils for a bar/winch, consider matched shocks. Using a spring compressor is risky—leave it to a suspension tech with the right gear. Keeping the front coils in good nick helps pass WOF/roadworthy checks and keeps the Ranger riding sweet for work and weekends.

Depending on loads and roads, front coil springs typically last 150,000–250,000 km, but hard touring and accessories can shorten that. Expect minor settling in the first 500–1,000 km after new springs are fitted.

Popular questions

Does the 2013 Ford Ranger have coil springs or leaf springs?
The PX Ranger uses coil springs at the front (coil-over strut, double wishbone) and leaf springs at the rear. That combo balances ride comfort and steering precision up front with strong payload support down back.

How often should front coil springs be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect annually or every 20,000 km. Replace in pairs when there’s sag, damage, or poor ride/handling—often somewhere between 150,000 and 250,000 km depending on use, loads, and road conditions.

Can heavier-duty front coils be fitted for a bull bar or winch?
Yes. Choose springs with an appropriate rate for the accessory weight, ideally with matched shocks. Expect a wheel alignment after fitting, and check local compliance rules if making significant suspension changes.