Parts for your 2022 Ford Ranger-Gas struts

2022 Ford Ranger gas struts — what’s fitted and what isn’t

Gas struts aren’t a factory‑fitted item on the 2022 Ford Ranger’s bonnet or tailgate. According to the Ford Ranger Owner’s Manual for the 2022 model (AU/NZ market), the bonnet is supported by a manual prop rod rather than gas‑charged struts. Ford service information for the PXIII/MY21–MY22 Ranger details the tailgate’s Easy‑Lift system using an integrated torsion bar to reduce lifting effort, not gas dampers. Ford’s technical and product briefs for the next‑gen Ranger platform also describe tailgate lift‑assist via a torsion mechanism. These sources collectively indicate gas struts aren’t standard equipment on the bonnet or tailgate of a 2022 Ranger.

Why didn’t Ford use gas struts from factory? It largely comes down to durability, cost, and packaging for ute duty:

• Off‑road durability: Torsion bars and prop rods are less susceptible to dust, grit and corrosion than exposed gas struts.
• Cost and simplicity: A prop rod and a torsion bar keep parts count and servicing costs low across work and fleet vehicles.
• Packaging and load: The Ranger tailgate’s torsion bar provides consistent assist without the temperature‑related performance swings common to gas struts.

That said, gas struts do turn up on many Rangers as accessories. Popular add‑ons include tailgate dampers (to slow the drop when opening), bonnet strut kits (to delete the prop rod), and gas‑strut supports on canopies, hard lids and some tonneau covers. If a 2022 Ranger has any of these fitted, they’re worth a quick check during regular servicing:

• Inspect the strut shafts for nicks, rust or oil weep, replace pairs if there’s any loss of damping or lifting force.
• Ensure ball studs and brackets are tight, a dab of silicone spray on the ball ends helps prevent squeaks.
• Avoid forcing a lid or tailgate if it feels “notchy” in cold weather — weak struts should be replaced, not muscled.

Owners who want easier one‑hand bonnet operation or a soft‑opening tailgate can consider quality aftermarket kits designed for the 2022 Ranger. Choose kits that maintain full opening clearance, use stainless hardware where possible, and come with vehicle‑specific brackets to avoid drilling the body.

Does the 2022 Ford Ranger have factory bonnet gas struts?

No. The 2022 Ranger uses a manual prop rod for the bonnet. Many owners fit aftermarket bonnet strut kits for convenience, if fitted, they should be inspected for smooth operation and any oil weep at service time.

Is the 2022 Ranger tailgate damped by gas struts from factory?

No. The factory tailgate uses an integrated torsion bar for lift assist. Aftermarket “soft‑down” kits add a small gas damper to slow the drop, which can be handy if the ute often carries kids or lighter users are opening the tailgate.

Where might gas struts be found on a 2022 Ranger?

They’re common on accessories: canopy rear doors and side windows, hard lids, some tonneau covers, and optional tailgate damper kits. These accessory struts are service items and should be replaced in pairs when they lose pressure.