Parts for your 2020 Ford Transit-Struts

2020 Ford Transit Struts: What They Do and When to Replace Them

Based on technical sources, the 2020 Ford Transit is fitted with front MacPherson struts. The Ford Workshop Manual (Section 204-01, Front Suspension) specifies a coil-over strut with a lower control arm, and both Ford’s OE parts catalogue and reputable aftermarket catalogues (e.g., Monroe, KYB) list complete front strut assemblies for the 2020 Transit.

The front struts on a 2020 Transit carry more than just damping duties—they form part of the front suspension structure. As a MacPherson design, each strut supports the vehicle’s weight via a coil spring, controls wheel movement via the damper, and locates the hub to maintain steering geometry. That’s why tired struts don’t just feel bouncy, they can affect braking distance, steering feel and tyre wear, especially on vans that carry tools, cargo or tow regularly.

For day-to-day servicing, a quick visual and functional check goes a long way. Look for oil seepage down the strut body, torn dust boots or cracked upper mounts. On the road, note any thumping over small bumps, front-end float at motorway speeds, excessive dive under braking, or the Transit wandering with crosswinds. Uneven or feathered front tyres are another giveaway the damping and geometry control aren’t up to scratch.

• Inspection: Every 20,000 km (or at regular services), check struts, top mounts and sway-bar links.
• Replacement timing: Heavy urban work or rough roads can see performance fade from 80,000–120,000 km, highway couriers may go longer. Replace in axle pairs.
• Parts choices: Quality OE-equivalent struts, new upper mounts/bearings and bump stops restore the original ride and steering feel.
• Alignment: Always do a wheel alignment after strut replacement to set camber and toe back to spec.
• Fasteners: Follow the Ford Workshop Manual for torque specs, replace any single-use (torque-to-yield) bolts or nuts as specified.

Because Transits often work loaded, a fresh set of front struts can noticeably sharpen turn-in, shorten stopping distances on rough surfaces and protect tyres. For vans with roof racks, ladders or frequent towing, preventative replacement before they’re completely shot keeps handling predictable and the steering nice and direct. If the steering feels heavy or notchy at low speed, don’t ignore the top mounts—the bearing there lets the strut rotate smoothly as you steer.

Rear suspension on the Transit uses separate shocks, not struts, so a full ride-and-handling refresh typically means front struts plus rear shocks. Done together, the van feels settled, tracks straight and copes better with Aussie and Kiwi backroads.

Popular questions about 2020 Ford Transit struts

Does a 2020 Ford Transit use struts or shocks at the front?
It uses MacPherson struts at the front, which combine the spring and damper and help locate the wheel. The rear uses separate shock absorbers. This setup is confirmed by the Ford Workshop Manual and common parts catalogues for the model year.

How often should the front struts be replaced?
There’s no fixed expiry, but many working Transits benefit from new front struts somewhere between 80,000 and 120,000 km depending on loads and road conditions. Inspect at each service and replace in pairs if there’s leakage, noise, poor control or uneven tyre wear.

Do I need a wheel alignment after replacing struts?
Yes. Because the strut influences camber and toe, an alignment after installation is essential to protect tyres and restore proper steering and braking performance.