Parts for your 2016 Ford Ranger-Coil springs

Coil Springs on the 2016 Ford Ranger: What You Need to Know

The 2016 Ford Ranger is a popular ute, especially among Aussies who demand durability and performance for both work and play. When it comes to its suspension setup, there's a bit to unpack, particularly around the question of whether the 2016 Ranger uses coil springs or not. If you've ever looked up coil springs, you might wonder if they feature on this vehicle and why or why not.

The facts are straight up. The 2016 Ford Ranger does indeed use coil springs in its front suspension. More specifically, the front suspension of the Ranger features a coil spring setup combined with a double wishbone arrangement. This is pretty common for modern utes and light trucks as coil springs provide a good balance of comfort, handling, and load-bearing ability at the front end.

However, the rear suspension is a different story. Instead of coil springs, the 2016 Ford Ranger typically uses leaf springs at the rear. Leaf springs are preferred in the back for their superior ability to carry heavy loads, making them ideal for a ute that's built to tow or haul gear around. So in short, coil springs are relevant and used in the front suspension of the 2016 Ford Ranger, but not in the rear.

Now that it's clear coil springs play a role on the 2016 Ranger, let's dive into what they do and how to look after them.

Coil springs are a crucial part of the vehicle's suspension system. Their main job is to absorb bumps and shocks from the road, helping to smooth out the ride and keep the tyres in contact with the surface. Without coil springs up front, the Ranger would feel harsh and unstable, especially over uneven terrain or potholes. The coil springs compress and rebound as the wheels move up and down, which also helps maintain steering control and ride comfort.

One of the great things about coil springs is their ability to provide a progressive response to loads. This means that under light loads, the springs offer a softer, more comfortable ride, but as the load increases, the springs stiffen up, preventing bottoming out and maintaining stability. This suits the 2016 Ford Ranger's versatile nature, from everyday driving around town to carrying gear on the weekend or out on the track.

Keeping coil springs in good nick is important. Though coil springs themselves are quite tough and often last the life of the vehicle, they can wear out or get damaged over time, especially if the vehicle is often driven in rough conditions, overloaded, or subjected to rust and corrosion. Look out for signs like uneven ride height, excessive bouncing after hitting a bump, or a noticeable dip on one side of the front end.

When servicing the 2016 Ford Ranger, it pays to have the coil springs inspected regularly. Mechanics typically check for any cracks, corrosion, or sagging, and ensure the springs are seated correctly in their mounts. Misaligned or damaged springs can lead to uneven tyre wear and potentially unsafe handling.

Replacing coil springs isn't usually something that happens frequently, but it can be necessary. If replacement is needed, it's important to choose OEM-quality springs or reputable aftermarket options designed for the Ranger's specific make and model. This ensures the ride quality and handling characteristics remain as intended by Ford.

It's also a good idea to replace coil springs in pairs, so both sides of the front suspension provide consistent performance. Coupling spring replacement with a check of shock absorbers is wise, worn shocks can speed up spring wear and degrade ride comfort.

For Aussies who regularly take their 2016 Ford Ranger off-road, maintaining the coil springs is even more crucial. Off-roading can put extra strain on suspension components. Cleaning mud and grit from the springs and their mounts, along with regular visual checks, helps prevent rust and damage. If you notice any unusual noises or handling quirks, get the suspension checked sooner rather than later.

All up, the 2016 Ford Ranger's use of coil springs in the front suspension is a key part of what makes it a smooth and capable ute. They work quietly behind the scenes to soak up bumps and support handling, so a little bit of attention during servicing goes a long way. Whether it's touring the bush or school runs around Melbourne, the coil springs help keep the drive comfortable, safe and reliable.