Parts for your 2013 Ford Territory-Struts

Does a 2013 Ford Territory use struts?

Short answer: no. The 2013 Ford Territory (SZ series) doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Up front it runs a short-long-arm (SLA) double wishbone setup with a coil-over shock absorber, and out back it has Ford’s Control Blade independent rear suspension with separate spring and shock. That means the vehicle uses shock absorbers rather than structural struts.

Technical references supporting this layout include the Ford SZ Territory Workshop Manual (Front and Rear Suspension sections), Autodata suspension specifications for the SZ, and Australian service manuals such as Gregory’s covering Territory 2004–2016. Reputable aftermarket catalogues for the SZ typically list front and rear shock absorbers (and associated mounts/bushes) rather than MacPherson strut assemblies.

Why no struts? The Territory was engineered on Ford’s large-car platform to prioritise ride comfort, stability, and durability for Aussie and Kiwi conditions—towing, rough chip, and the odd corrugated road. A double wishbone front end gives better camber control through suspension travel than a MacPherson strut, helping with grip and tyre wear under load, while the Control Blade IRS improves rear wheel control and ride isolation. Because the dampers aren’t carrying major lateral loads (as a strut would), they’re simply shock absorbers, and there’s no strut bearing at the top mount.

What should owners service instead of “struts”? Focus on:

• Shock absorbers: front coil-over shocks and rear shocks (look for leaks, fade, or bounce).
• Control arm bushes and ball joints: common wear points that cause clunks, vibration, or tyre feathering.
• Sway bar links and bushes: knocking over bumps or rolliness in corners points here.
• Wheel alignment after any suspension work: keep camber, caster and toe in spec to protect tyres.

As a rule of thumb, shocks often need attention somewhere between 80,000–120,000 km, sooner if the Territory tows, carries loads, or sees plenty of rough roads. Symptoms include nose-diving under brakes, floaty rebound over speed humps, uneven tyre wear, and longer stopping distances. Quality replacement shocks and fresh bushes can transform how the Territory steers, rides, and stops.

Does a 2013 Ford Territory have struts?

No. It uses a double wishbone front with a coil-over shock absorber and a Control Blade independent rear with separate shocks. Some people casually say “struts”, but technically the Territory runs shock absorbers, not MacPherson struts with a rotating strut top bearing.

What do you replace instead of front struts on a Territory?

Replace the front shock absorbers (coil-over units), and inspect/replace upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, plus sway bar links and bushes. After any of that work, get a professional wheel alignment to protect your tyres.

How often should Territory shocks be replaced?

Many see noticeable wear between 80,000–120,000 km, earlier with towing or corrugated-road use. Check for oil seepage, excessive bounce, harshness, or uneven tyre wear. If it feels floaty or crashes over bumps, it’s time to test and likely replace.