Parts for your 2020 Ford Everest-Struts

2020 Ford Everest “struts” — what’s actually fitted and why that matters

Short answer: the 2020 Ford Everest doesn’t use MacPherson struts. Up front it runs an independent double-wishbone setup with a coil-over shock and stabiliser bar, and down the back it uses a live axle with coil springs, trailing arms and a Watts link with separate dampers. That layout is confirmed in Ford Australia’s 2020 Everest specifications and the T6 platform workshop/service literature, which describe the front as short-and-long-arm (SLA) suspension with a coil-over shock rather than a structural strut. A strut supports vehicle weight and also locates the wheel, on the Everest, lateral and longitudinal location is handled by control arms and links, not the damper body.

Why no struts? The Everest is a ladder-frame SUV designed for towing, rough tracks and touring. The double-wishbone front end gives better camber control, robustness and packaging around a frame rail than a strut tower would, while the coil-sprung live rear axle with a Watts link is chosen for articulation, load-carrying and durability. MacPherson struts suit monocoque passenger cars, they’re not the natural fit for a frame-based 4x4 like this.

It’s worth noting that parts catalogues and casual chat sometimes call the Everest’s front coil-over shock a “strut”. Technically it isn’t one, because the wheel is located by upper and lower control arms. If shopping or booking a service, asking for front or rear “shocks/dampers” will get the right bits and the right job.

• Front: Independent double-wishbone (SLA) with coil-over shock and stabiliser bar — not a MacPherson strut.
• Rear: Coil-sprung live axle with trailing arms and Watts linkage, with separate shock absorbers.
• Technical sources: Ford Australia 2020 Everest Specifications, Ford T6 (Ranger/Everest) workshop/service manual suspension description.

Looking after the Everest’s shocks is still crucial. Get them inspected at regular services or every 20,000 km if you’re doing corrugations, towing or carrying gear. Signs it’s time to replace include oil misting, uneven tyre wear, longer stopping distances, steering shimmy, or the old “bounce test” taking more than one settle. Replace in axle pairs and book a wheel alignment afterwards, especially up front. Stick with quality OEM-equivalent or reputable aftermarket dampers tuned for Aussie and Kiwi roads and loads.

Popular questions

Does the 2020 Ford Everest have struts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front suspension with a coil-over shock, and a coil-sprung live rear axle with separate shocks. The dampers don’t act as structural struts.

What suspension does it use instead of struts?
Front: SLA/double wishbone with a coil-over shock and stabiliser bar. Rear: live axle with coil springs, trailing arms and a Watts link, plus separate shock absorbers. That mix prioritises durability, articulation and load stability for touring and towing.

Can aftermarket “struts” be fitted to an Everest?
Aftermarket suppliers may advertise “front struts”, but they’re coil-over shock assemblies designed for the Everest’s double-wishbone front end. They’re not MacPherson struts. If upgrading, choose kits engineered for the T6 platform, keep lift heights legal, and get alignment and headlight aim checked.