Parts for your 2014 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2014 Ford Ranger strut-mounts: what’s actually fitted and why it matters

For the 2014 Ford Ranger (PX/T6), “strut-mounts” in the MacPherson sense aren’t used. Technical sources such as the Ford Workshop Manual (PX Ranger, Section 204-01 Front Suspension) specify an independent double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber. Steering load and geometry are handled by the upper and lower control arms and ball joints, not by a strut tower with a rotating top bearing. Parts catalogues for this platform likewise list a front shock/coil assembly and an upper insulator/top plate rather than a strut mount with a bearing.

On cars that do run MacPherson struts, a strut mount (often with an integrated bearing) carries vehicle weight, isolates vibration and allows the strut to rotate as the wheels steer. The Ranger’s design is different: the shock absorber doesn’t steer, so there’s no need for a bearing-type strut mount. Instead, the front coil-over bolts to the chassis via a rubberised upper insulator/top plate and hardware. Some aftermarket listings loosely call this a “strut mount”, but technically it’s a shock top mount/insulator, not a steering-bearing assembly.

Why Ford chose this layout comes down to strength and packaging. A double-wishbone with a coil-over suits a ute that tows, carries loads and sees off-road work. It keeps steering forces in the control arms and ball joints rather than through a strut tower, which helps durability and alignment stability on rough roads and corrugations common around Aus and NZ.

Servicing-wise, owners chasing front-end clunks, squeaks or vibration on a 2014 Ranger should look to the actual wear points for this setup:

• Upper shock insulator/top plate rubber cracking or crushing
• Sway bar links and bushes knocking over bumps
• Upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints causing play and tyre wear
• Shock absorbers leaking or losing damping

If replacing the front coil-over or upper insulator, use quality components and the correct spring compressor, those coils store a lot of energy. After any front-end work, a wheel alignment is a must. Lift spacers marketed as “strut tops” will affect droop travel and ball joint/CV angles—fit carefully and have the geometry checked.

Popular questions about 2014 Ford Ranger strut-mounts

Does a 2014 Ford Ranger have strut-mounts?
No, not in the MacPherson-strut sense. It uses a double-wishbone front with a coil-over shock. The top is an insulator/top plate, not a rotating strut mount with a bearing.

What’s the likely cause of a front-end clunk if it’s not the strut-mount?
Common culprits are worn upper shock insulators, tired sway bar links/bushes, or play in control arm bushes and ball joints. A leaking or weak shock can also knock on sharp bumps.

Can “strut top” spacers be used to lift a 2014 Ranger?
Many kits use top-hat spacers above the coil-over. They can work, but expect changes to droop travel and joint angles. Professional fitment and a post-job alignment are strongly recommended.