Parts for your 2014 Ford Ranger-Struts

2014 Ford Ranger struts — are they even a thing?

Short answer: no, the 2014 Ford Ranger doesn’t run MacPherson struts. According to the Ford Workshop Manual for the T6/PX Ranger platform, the front end uses a short-long arm (SLA) double wishbone layout with a coil-over shock absorber and a stabiliser bar, while the rear uses leaf springs with separate shock absorbers. Those official specs confirm there’s no structural strut in play on this model year.

Why no struts? Struts are brilliant for passenger cars because they save space and reduce weight, but a ute like the Ranger needs robust geometry, high wheel travel and solid load-handling. A double wishbone front lets Ford tune camber under bump and load, gives better durability off-road, and packages neatly around the front driveshafts and steering hardware. At the back, leaf springs carry payload efficiently, with standalone shocks controlling body motion. It’s a workhorse setup that suits Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

What does that mean for servicing? Think shocks, not struts. The front coil-over units are shock absorbers with a coil spring around them, mounted between the control arms and the body. They are not structural members of the steering knuckle like a true strut. The rear shocks are separate, mounted alongside the leaf packs.

Owners chasing a smoother ride or tighter handling should focus on quality replacement shock absorbers and fresh bushes rather than shopping for “struts.” When replacing front coil-over shocks, the spring needs to be safely compressed if the assembly is being transferred, many choose pre-assembled units to avoid that step. Any change that affects ride height or front-end geometry should be followed by a professional wheel alignment.

• Typical inspection items: shock leaks, dented bodies, perished bushes, uneven tyre wear, nose-dive under braking, floaty handling, and longer stopping distances.
• Service cadence: many see noticeable shock wear by 80,000–120,000 km in mixed Aussie/NZ use, earlier if towing or going off-road regularly.
• Complementary checks: front upper/lower ball joints, control arm bushes, sway bar links and bushes, rear leaf spring shackles and U-bolts.

Technical sources referenced: Ford Ranger (T6/PX) Workshop Manual — Section 204-01 Front Suspension (Description and Operation: SLA with coil-over shock) and Section 204-02 Rear Suspension (Leaf spring with shock absorber). Ford Australia MY14 Ranger specification materials describing independent double wishbone front suspension and leaf-spring rear.

FAQs

Does a 2014 Ford Ranger have struts?
No. The 2014 Ranger runs a double wishbone (SLA) front with a coil-over shock, and a leaf-spring rear with separate shocks. There’s no MacPherson strut in the system, as confirmed by the Ford Workshop Manual for the T6/PX platform.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 2014 Ranger?
Focus on the front coil-over shock absorbers, rear shocks, control arm bushes, ball joints and sway bar links. Fresh shocks restore control and reduce brake dive and bounce, while good bushes and joints tighten steering feel and tyre wear.

Can aftermarket “strut” assemblies be fitted to a 2014 Ranger?
Aftermarket listings sometimes say “strut” but they’re actually coil-over shock assemblies for the double wishbone front. They can be fitted if they’re the correct coil-over shock for the PX Ranger. If ride height changes, book an alignment.