Parts for your 2016 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2016 Ford Ranger strut-mounts — are they actually a thing?

Short answer: no, the 2016 Ford Ranger doesn’t use strut-mounts in the MacPherson-strut sense. The PX MkII (T6) Ranger runs an independent double wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber and a separate steering knuckle on upper and lower ball joints, plus a live rear axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. Because the shock doesn’t act as a structural “strut” or rotate with steering, there’s no need for a strut top bearing or classic strut-mount assembly. This layout is outlined in Ford’s Workshop Manual for the T6 platform (Section 204‑01, Front Suspension) and reflected in OE/aftermarket catalogues that list front shock absorbers and mounting insulators for Ranger, but not strut-mount/bearing units typical of MacPherson designs.

What the Ranger does have is a coil-over shock with a top plate/insulator that bolts to the chassis tower. Some people casually call this a “strut top,” but it isn’t a true strut mount with a steering bearing. Steering pivot happens at the upper and lower control arm ball joints, not through the shock top. That’s why you won’t find a dedicated strut-mount kit in most parts listings for the 2016 Ranger.

If you’re chasing knocks or clunks up front, look first at the actual Ranger wear points rather than hunting for a non-existent strut mount:

• Front shock upper mounts/insulators and lower shock bushes
• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Sway bar (stabiliser) link rods and D-bushes
• Rear shock bushes and U-bolts (for noises that seem to come from the back)

When replacing front shocks or coils, the coil-over assembly needs to come out and the spring must be safely compressed to transfer the top plate/insulator. Use quality hardware and new nyloc nuts, and get a wheel alignment after any control arm, coil, or ride-height change. If you’re fitting a “strut top spacer” lift, it’s simply a spacer above the shock top plate — not a strut bearing — so it doesn’t convert the vehicle to a strut layout. Keep lift height within local road rules and certification requirements across Australia and New Zealand, and be mindful of CV angles and droop travel on IFS models.

Technical references used for this conclusion include: Ford Workshop Manual (T6 Ranger/Everest, Section 204‑01 Front Suspension), Ford Australia PX MkII specification materials, and major damper catalogues that list Ranger front shocks and mounting insulators but no strut-mount/bearing assemblies.

Popular questions about 2016 Ford Ranger strut-mounts

Does a 2016 Ford Ranger have strut-mounts?
No. It uses a double wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, so there’s no MacPherson-style strut or rotating strut-mount bearing. The top plate is a shock mounting insulator, not a strut-mount assembly.

What should be checked if there’s a front-end clunk on a PX MkII Ranger?
Start with front shock upper mounts and bushes, sway bar links/D-bushes, and the upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints. These are the usual suspects on this platform and are serviceable items.

Do “strut top” spacers replace a strut-mount on a Ranger?
No. They’re just spacers that sit above the coil-over’s top plate to gain height. They don’t add a steering bearing or turn the setup into a MacPherson strut. After installation, an alignment is recommended, and make sure the lift complies with local regulations.