Parts for your 2019 Ford Ranger-Strut mounts

2019 Ford Ranger strut-mounts: are they used, and what to check instead

Short answer: a traditional strut mount isn’t used on the 2019 Ford Ranger. Technical references including the Ford Workshop Manual for Ranger PX MkIII (Section 204-01 Front Suspension) describe an independent double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, not a MacPherson strut. In a MacPherson setup, a strut mount (with an integrated bearing) supports vehicle weight and allows the strut to rotate for steering. The Ranger steers on its upper and lower ball joints at the knuckle, so there’s no need for a rotating strut top bearing.

Industry fitment guides (e.g., Monroe and Bilstein application catalogues for PX/PX2/PX3) list a front coil-over shock with an upper insulator/bush rather than a strut mount and bearing plate. Some aftermarket descriptions loosely say “strut” for the front coil-over assembly, but functionally it’s a shock with a top bush, not a MacPherson strut with a dedicated mount.

What that means for servicing: don’t go looking for a strut mount to replace. Instead, focus on the wear points that actually affect ride and steering on this ute:

• Upper shock absorber bushes and the top hat/insulator for perished rubber or clunks over corrugations.
• Upper and lower control arm bushes for cracking, fluid leaks (if hydro), and excess movement.
• Upper and lower ball joints for play or torn boots, as these handle the steering pivot duties.
• Front sway bar bushes and links for knocks and squeaks.
• Shocks for leaks or fade, especially if the Ranger tows, carries loads, or runs bigger tyres.

If the front end feels crashy, knocks on take-off or braking, or the steering shudders over bumps, it’s more likely tired bushes, ball joints, or the shocks themselves rather than any “strut mount”. After a lift or accessory fit-out (barwork, winch), reassess coil and shock rates and consider upgraded upper control arms for geometry correction rather than hunting for a non-existent strut mount. Alignments should be done after any front-end work, the Ranger’s caster and camber rely on the control arms, not a strut top plate.

Technical sources referenced: Ford Workshop Manual – Ranger PX MkIII (Section 204-01 Front Suspension), Monroe Australia vehicle application guide, Bilstein application listings for Ranger PX platform.

Popular questions about 2019 Ford Ranger strut-mounts

Does the 2019 Ford Ranger have strut mounts?
No. The Ranger uses a double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock, so there isn’t a MacPherson-style strut mount with a steering bearing. The top of the shock uses a bush/insulator to isolate vibration rather than a rotating mount.

What should be serviced instead of strut mounts on a 2019 Ranger?
Check the upper shock bushes, upper and lower control arm bushes, upper and lower ball joints, sway bar bushes/links, and the shocks themselves. These parts handle the load, alignment, and steering pivot functions that a strut mount would do on a MacPherson car.

Will a lift kit add strut mounts to my Ranger?
No. Lift kits for the Ranger usually change coils, shocks, top hats/insulators, and sometimes add aftermarket upper control arms. They don’t convert the front end to MacPherson, so there’s still no strut mount with a bearing to service.