Parts for your 2017 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2017 Ford Ranger strut-mounts — do they apply?

For the 2017 Ford Ranger (PX2), traditional strut-mounts are not fitted. Technical sources are clear on this: the Ford Workshop Manual for the PX2 Ranger (Section 204-01 Front Suspension) specifies a short-long arm (SLA) double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber. Because it’s not a MacPherson strut design, there’s no rotating strut tower bearing or “strut-mount” as used on many passenger cars.

Ford’s parts catalogue for the PX Ranger shows the front spring and shock absorber assembly with an upper insulator/top bush, not a strut-mount bearing unit. Likewise, major AU/NZ aftermarket fitment guides (e.g., KYB and Monroe) list front shock absorbers and associated bushes for the 2017 Ranger but do not list a dedicated strut-mount/bearing kit for this model. That all lines up with the vehicle’s geometry: steering loads are carried by the upper and lower control arms and knuckle, so there’s no need for a strut-mount to rotate with the steering.

What should owners look at instead? If there’s a front-end clunk, knock or tyre scrub that might be blamed on “strut-mounts,” attention should shift to the parts actually doing the work on a Ranger:

• Upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints
• Front shock absorber top/bottom bushes and the coil spring seat/insulator
• Sway bar links and bushes
• Tie-rod ends, rack ends and wheel bearings

If the vehicle has been lifted, it may have aftermarket “top plates” or spacer blocks above the front coil-over. These aren’t strut-mounts in the MacPherson sense, they’re spacers. They still need correct torque and periodic checks for movement and noise, and a wheel alignment after any change. When renewing front shocks, replace worn bushes and insulators, torque fasteners at normal ride height, and have the alignment checked so it tracks straight and doesn’t chew tyres.

Bottom line: the 2017 Ford Ranger doesn’t use strut-mounts. Servicing focuses on shocks, control arms, sway bar hardware and steering joints to keep the ute riding quietly and steering true across Aussie and Kiwi roads.

Popular questions about 2017 Ford Ranger strut-mounts

Does a 2017 Ford Ranger have strut-mounts?
No. The PX2 Ranger uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, not a MacPherson strut. That means there’s no strut-mount bearing at the top of the tower. The upper and lower control arms manage steering loads, while the shock absorber is mounted with bushes and an insulator.

What causes front-end clunks if it’s not the strut-mounts?
Common culprits are worn control arm bushes or ball joints, tired shock absorber bushes or insulators, loose or worn sway bar links/bushes, and play in tie-rod or rack ends. Any lift-kit top plates/spacers can also creak or knock if not torqued correctly. A thorough inspection on a hoist and a post-repair wheel alignment usually sorts it.

Can strut-top spacers be used on a 2017 Ranger, and are they strut-mounts?
Many Rangers run top-plate spacers to gain front lift, but they are not strut-mounts. They simply change ride height and don’t contain a steering bearing. If fitted, ensure correct installation, re-torque after a few hundred kilometres and check alignment and CV/ball-joint angles to avoid premature wear.