Parts for your 2013 Ford Ranger-Struts

2013 Ford Ranger struts: what’s fitted and what to service instead

Based on technical references, struts are not used on the 2013 Ford Ranger (PX, T6 platform). The front suspension is an independent double wishbone with a coil-over shock absorber and a separate steering knuckle, while the rear is a live axle with leaf springs and separate shock absorbers. This layout is detailed in the Ford Workshop Manual for Ranger PX (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), Ford Australia’s 2013 Ranger specifications, and common service data sources used in AU/NZ workshops. Parts catalogues from major damper manufacturers list front and rear “shock absorbers” for this model, not MacPherson struts.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut is a structural, load-bearing unit that combines the damper and spring and serves as the upper steering pivot. The Ranger’s design uses upper and lower control arms to carry chassis loads, with a non-structural shock absorber handling damping duties. That’s deliberate for a ute that tows, carries payload and sees rough roads.

• Load and durability: Double wishbone with a separate coil-over damper is robust under heavy payloads and off-road punishment.
• Travel and geometry: Control arms allow greater wheel travel and better camber control across the stroke than a typical strut layout.
• Clearance and packaging: The architecture suits 4x4 ride height, CV angles and accessory fit-out common in Australia and New Zealand.

What should owners service instead of “struts”? Up front, focus on the coil-over shock absorbers, upper mount/bushes, control arm bushes and ball joints, and sway bar links/bushes. At the rear, inspect the shock absorbers, leaf spring bushes and U-bolts. Look for oil weep from shocks, cupped or uneven tyre wear, excessive bounce, nose-dive under braking, clunks over corrugations, or steering shimmy. In local conditions, a practical check interval is every 20,000 km, with many vehicles needing shock replacement somewhere around 80,000–120,000 km depending on load, towing and gravel use.

When replacing front coil-over shocks, use a quality spring compressor or opt for pre-assembled coil-over units to avoid compressing the spring in the driveway. Always torque control arm and bushing fasteners at ride height and book a wheel alignment afterwards. Choosing shocks valved for accessories (bull bar, canopy, dual batteries) keeps ride control tidy and tyre wear even.

Popular questions

Does a 2013 Ford Ranger have front struts?
No. It uses an independent double wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. The damper isn’t a structural member and the steering pivot is handled by the knuckle and control arms.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2013 Ranger?
Front and rear shock absorbers are the primary wear items. Also check the front upper mount/bushes, control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links, plus rear leaf spring bushes. After any major work, get a wheel alignment.

Why do some listings call them “struts” for the Ranger?
Some sellers use “strut” loosely for a front coil-over shock. On this model it isn’t a true MacPherson strut. If buying parts, confirm you’re getting the correct coil-over shock assembly or separate shock to suit your trim and ride height.