Parts for your 2020 Ford Ranger-Struts

2020 Ford Ranger Struts

After checking technical sources, struts are not used on the 2020 Ford Ranger. The Ford Workshop Manual for the 2019–2021 Ranger (Section 204‑01 Front Suspension), Ford’s T6 platform chassis documentation, and widely used OEM service databases all specify an independent double‑wishbone (short/long arm) front end with a coil‑over shock absorber, plus a live rear axle with leaf springs and separate rear shock absorbers. That means there’s no MacPherson strut on this model.

Why no struts on this ute? The Ranger’s body‑on‑frame design is built for payload, towing and rough roads. A double‑wishbone layout keeps wheel alignment steadier under load and over corrugations than a MacPherson strut, which doubles as a structural member. With separate upper and lower control arms handling wheel location, and a coil‑over shock managing damping and spring rate, the front end stays robust, tuneable and easier to service for hard Aussie and Kiwi conditions.

• Load handling: SLA geometry holds camber and caster steadier with heavy tray or towball weight.
• Durability: Two control arms and a stout knuckle cope better with off‑road hits and corrugations.
• Serviceability: Shocks, coils, top mounts, ball joints and bushes can be replaced individually.

Some parts catalogues label the front coil‑over assemblies as “struts”, but that’s a naming shortcut. Technically, the Ranger uses shock absorbers with coils (coil‑overs), not MacPherson struts.

For servicing, attention should be on the front and rear shock absorbers, coil springs, front top mounts (often called strut mounts), upper/lower control arm bushes and ball joints, sway‑bar links and bushes, and rear leaf‑spring bushes and U‑bolts. Signs that shocks or mounts are due include oil seepage, dented shock bodies, knocking over bumps, cupped tyre wear, nose‑dive under braking, or a floaty feel. Replacement is best done in axle pairs, followed by a wheel alignment to bring camber/caster/toe back within Ford’s specs. High‑use Rangers—towing, gravel, worksites—benefit from regular inspections and earlier replacement intervals.

Technical references: Ford Workshop Manual (2019–2021 Ranger, Section 204‑01 Front Suspension), Ford global T6 platform chassis specifications, mainstream OEM service databases that list SLA front with coil‑over shocks and a leaf‑spring rear axle—no MacPherson struts.

• Does the 2020 Ford Ranger have front struts?
  It does not. The front end is an independent double‑wishbone with a coil‑over shock absorber. In other words, the damper and spring aren’t a structural steering member like a MacPherson strut. Any “front strut” listing for this model usually refers to the coil‑over shock assembly.
• If it doesn’t have struts, what should owners replace when the front end feels rough?
  Focus on the front coil‑over shocks, top mounts, upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, and sway‑bar links/bushes. Replacing worn shocks and mounts typically restores control and comfort, and a wheel alignment should follow.
• When should shocks be replaced on a 2020 Ranger?
  There’s no hard kilometre rule, as usage varies. Many see noticeable wear between 60,000 and 100,000 km. For vehicles that tow, run heavy loads or spend time off‑road, inspections every 20,000–30,000 km help catch leaks, bounce, or uneven tyre wear early.