Parts for your 2016 Ford Ranger-Struts

2016 Ford Ranger struts: what’s actually fitted

Struts aren’t used on the 2016 Ford Ranger (PX2). Technical sources list the front suspension as an independent double wishbone (short/long arm) with a coil spring over a shock absorber, and the rear as a live axle with leaf springs and separate shocks. That setup is confirmed in the Ford Workshop Manual (Section 204-01 Front Suspension – Ranger PX2/T6), in the Ford Australia model specifications for MY16, and in aftermarket repair manuals such as the Haynes and Gregory’s guides for 2011–2020 Ranger/BT-50. None of these describe a MacPherson strut arrangement.

Why no struts? A MacPherson strut serves as both the damper and a key structural member that locates the wheel, common in passenger cars. The Ranger’s front end uses upper and lower control arms that handle wheel location and geometry control, with a coil-over shock purely doing the damping and springing. That choice suits a ute’s needs: higher ride height, greater payload and towing, strong camber control under load, space for 4x4 CV shafts and a front diff, and durability on corrugations and off-road tracks. The rear sticks with leaf springs and shocks to manage heavy loads without sagging and to keep things simple and tough.

If a workshop or parts listing mentions “front struts” for a 2016 Ranger, it’s usually just using shorthand for the front coil-over shock assembly. They’re not struts in the MacPherson sense, but they can be supplied pre-assembled with a spring and top mount, which is why the term pops up.

What should owners look after instead? Think shocks, springs and the hardware that supports them. Regular inspections are smart at every service or around every 20,000 km, especially if the ute works hard or sees gravel roads.

• Front: coil-over shock absorbers, coil springs, top mounts, control arm bushes, ball joints, sway bar links and bushes.
• Rear: leaf springs (and their bushes), U-bolts, and shock absorbers.
• General signs to watch: oil weeping on shocks, nose-diving, excessive bouncing, cupped or uneven tyre wear, clunks over bumps, steering shimmy, or a sagging corner.

When replacing front shocks, use quality parts rated for the vehicle’s GVM and any added gear (bullbar, winch, canopy). Always do a wheel alignment after suspension work. If chasing a lift, stick to legal and safe heights (commonly up to about 50 mm), keep CV and ball joint angles sensible, and ensure ESC and headlights remain compliant. A well-maintained Ranger rides better, brakes cleaner, and keeps tyres wearing evenly—without ever needing “struts”.

Does the 2016 Ford Ranger have struts?

No. It uses a double wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber and a separate steering knuckle, plus a leaf-sprung rear axle with shocks. Technical manuals and Ford’s own service literature do not describe a MacPherson strut on this model year.

What suspension parts should be serviced instead of struts?

Front shocks and coil springs (often sold as a coil-over assembly), top mounts, control arm bushes and ball joints, and sway bar links/bushes. At the rear, shocks, leaf springs and their bushes. Inspect regularly, especially if the ute tows, carries loads, or sees rough roads.

Can aftermarket “struts” or a lift kit be fitted?

Aftermarket suppliers often call the front coil-over a “strut”, but it’s still a shock and spring assembly. Lift kits are common—keep lifts modest, use quality components, and get a proper alignment. Check ADR compliance and consider CV angles, brake lines, ESC calibration and headlight aim.