Parts for your 2013 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2013 Ford Ranger strut mounts — what they do and when to replace them

Technical sources agree that strut mounts are relevant on the 2013 Ford Ranger (PX/T6). Ford’s workshop literature for the PX Ranger (Front Suspension, Section 204‑01) describes an independent double‑wishbone front end with a coil‑over damper assembly often referred to in parts catalogues as a “front strut”. Major suspension catalogues (e.g., KYB and Monroe) list a serviceable front strut/top mount for 2011–2015 Ranger models. That means this ute does use a top mount that locates the coil‑over and isolates noise and vibration.

On this Ranger, the strut mount isn’t a steering bearing like on a true MacPherson setup, the steering pivots at the ball joints. Instead, the mount’s job is to secure the top of the coil‑over to the body, cushion impacts, and keep road roar out of the cabin. A healthy mount helps the front end feel tight and composed over corrugations and speed humps.

Because the mount works hard with every bump, age, heat, and added accessory weight (bull bars, winches, canopies) can fatigue the rubber. Lift kits that increase spring rate can also accelerate wear. When replacing front shocks or coils, it’s smart to renew the mounts at the same time to avoid pulling the front end apart twice.

• Typical symptoms: clunks or creaks over bumps, a dull “thud” on take‑off or braking, twang as the spring settles, visible cracking or separation in the rubber, and uneven top hat seating.
• Inspection cadence: check every 40,000–60,000 km, or any time the front struts/shocks are out. Lifted or heavily loaded Rangers may need closer attention.
• Replacement tips: always do mounts in pairs, align the top mount correctly to the body, seat the spring pigtail in the lower perch, and torque fasteners at normal ride height. Use new self‑locking nuts where specified.
• Aftermarket choices: for touring or towing, consider HD mounts designed for higher spring loads, for stock height, OE‑equivalent rubber provides the best NVH.
• Post‑fit: book a wheel alignment after front‑end work to keep steering feel sharp and protect tyres.

Look after the mounts and the Ranger rewards with quieter road manners, cleaner steering feedback, and longer life from shocks, springs, and tyres.

Do 2013 Ford Rangers have front strut mounts?

Yes. The PX Ranger uses a coil‑over “strut” assembly with a separate, serviceable top mount. Workshop documentation for the PX platform and major parts catalogues both list a front strut/top mount for 2011–2015 vehicles, so the part is absolutely applicable.

How often should the strut mounts be replaced?

There’s no fixed interval, but many last 80,000–150,000 km depending on load, roads, and whether the vehicle is lifted. Inspect them whenever front shocks or coils are replaced, and don’t hesitate to renew them in pairs if there’s any cracking, noise, or distortion.

Can worn strut mounts affect alignment or tyre wear?

Indirectly, yes. Excess compliance or sag can nudge ride height and front geometry, which may show up as vague steering or accelerated tyre wear. After any front‑end work, including mount replacement, a proper alignment is recommended.