Parts for your 2015 Ford Ranger-Struts

2015 Ford Ranger struts: what’s actually fitted and what to service

Based on technical documentation, struts are not used on the 2015 Ford Ranger (PX, T6). The Ford Workshop Manual (WSM) Section 204-01 Front Suspension, along with Ford Australia’s PX Ranger specification sheets for 2011–2015, specify a short-long arm (SLA) independent front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber and stabiliser bar, and a rear leaf-spring setup with separate dampers. That means no MacPherson struts, the front coil-over shock is not a structural strut.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut is a structural member that locates the wheel and carries side loads. The Ranger’s double-wishbone layout uses upper and lower control arms to locate the hub, leaving the shock absorber to handle damping only. This setup delivers better durability and wheel control under load, greater wheel travel for 4x4 work, and maintains geometry more predictably over rough terrain—ideal for a ute expected to tow, haul, and handle corrugations. Parts catalogues sometimes label the front coil-over shock as a “strut”, but on this vehicle it isn’t one.

For servicing, attention should turn to the actual wear items fitted to a 2015 Ranger:

• Front coil-over shock absorbers and top mounts
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Stabiliser (sway) bar links and bushes
• Rear dampers and leaf-spring bushes

Inspection every 20,000–30,000 kilometres is sensible, sooner if the vehicle sees towing, heavy payloads, mining work, or rough outback roads. Typical replacement intervals for shocks can vary widely—anywhere from 80,000 km to 150,000+ km—depending on use. Signs the shocks are tired include oil seepage, a bouncy or floaty ride, nose-diving under brakes, choppy or uneven tyre wear, and steering shimmy on corrugations.

When replacing front shocks, it’s best practice to do them in pairs, transfer or renew the top mounts if worn, and torque control arm bushes at normal ride height. A wheel alignment should follow any front-end work. Owners who routinely carry canopies, tools, or tow might consider shock absorbers valved for constant load to improve control without sacrificing too much comfort. To avoid parts mix-ups, it helps to specify “front coil-over shock absorber” rather than “strut” when ordering.

Popular questions about 2015 Ford Ranger struts

Does a 2015 Ford Ranger have struts?
No. Technical sources list an SLA double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber and a rear leaf-spring axle with separate dampers. The front unit is a shock with a coil spring, not a MacPherson strut.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2015 Ranger?
Front coil-over shock absorbers (and their top mounts if worn), plus related items like control arm bushes/ball joints and sway bar links. At the rear, the dampers and leaf-spring bushes are the key wear parts.

How can someone tell the front shocks are worn?
Look for oil leaks on the shock body, longer stopping distances from nose-dive, a floaty feel over dips, steering shake on corrugations, and uneven tyre wear. A bounce test that takes more than one settle is another clue.