Parts for your 2018 Ford Ranger-Struts

2018 Ford Ranger struts — are they even a thing?

Short answer: no, the 2018 Ford Ranger doesn’t use struts. Technical sources identify the front suspension as independent double wishbone with a coil-over shock absorber, and the rear as leaf springs with separate shock absorbers. In Ford’s Workshop Manual (WSM) for the Ranger PX/PXII (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), the front unit is described as a “shock absorber and spring assembly” working with upper and lower control arms and a separate steering knuckle — not a MacPherson strut. Ford Australia/NZ 2018 specification sheets list “double wishbone with coil-over shock” up front and “leaf spring with shock absorber” at the rear. Major OE-equivalent catalogues from brands like Monroe, KYB and Bilstein also list shock absorbers for this model, not struts.

Why no struts on a 2018 Ranger? It comes down to how this ute is engineered for payload, towing and off-road work. A double wishbone setup offers robust control of camber through the travel range and handles heavy loads and long suspension travel better than a typical MacPherson strut layout. At the back, the leaf-spring arrangement is all about strength and load-carrying, with a separate shock to manage damping — again, not a strut.

• Front: Double wishbone arms, steering knuckle, coil-over shock (not a load-bearing strut).
• Rear: Leaf springs with separate shock absorbers.
• Benefits: Durability, wheel travel, camber control under load, and off-road capability.

If someone’s searching “2018 Ford Ranger struts”, they’re almost certainly chasing the front shock-and-spring assembly (often supplied pre-assembled as a coil-over), the top mount/bearing, or the rear shocks. Typical signs it’s time to replace shocks include a bouncy or floaty ride, nose-diving under brakes, cupped or uneven tyre wear, leaks on the shock body, or poor control over corrugations. Many owners look at replacement around 80,000–120,000 km depending on towing, loads and off-road use.

When fitting front coil-over shocks, it’s smart to replace the top mounts if they’re worn, torque suspension fasteners at normal ride height, and get a wheel alignment straight after. Compressed coil springs can be dangerous, so either use the right equipment and procedures or opt for pre-assembled units or a trusted workshop. For lifted setups, match spring rates and shock lengths to the ute’s accessories and intended use, and check local compliance requirements in Australia and New Zealand.

Does the 2018 Ford Ranger have struts?

No. It uses a double wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber and a separate steering knuckle, and leaf springs with shocks at the rear. That’s why parts catalogues list shock absorbers, not struts, for this model year.

What should be replaced instead of struts on a 2018 Ranger?

Up front: the shock-and-spring (coil-over) assembly and, if worn, the top mount/bearing and related bushings. At the rear: the shock absorbers. Always get a wheel alignment after front shock replacement.

Can aftermarket “struts” be fitted to lift a 2018 Ranger?

Lift kits for this ute use longer or re-valved coil-over shocks and springs (plus, often, upgraded upper control arms or spacers) — they’re not MacPherson struts. Choose quality components, match spring rates to added accessories, and ensure the setup complies with local regulations.