Parts for your 2022 Ford Ranger-Struts

2022 Ford Ranger “struts” — what’s actually on the ute?

Based on technical sources, the 2022 Ford Ranger (PX III/T6 platform) does not use MacPherson struts. Up front it runs an independent double-wishbone suspension with a coil-over shock absorber, and the rear uses leaf springs with separate shock absorbers. That means “struts” as a part category isn’t relevant to this model year Ranger — it has shock absorbers (dampers), not structural strut assemblies.

Why no struts? Struts double as a structural member and steering pivot, which suits lighter unibody passenger cars. The Ranger is a body-on-frame ute designed for load carrying, towing and off-road use. A double-wishbone layout gives stronger control of camber and toe across suspension travel, better durability under heavy loads, and easier packaging for long-travel dampers. Even the 2022 Ranger Raptor uses heavy-duty coil-over dampers (Fox internal-bypass), still not a true strut. So, while people sometimes call the front coil-over a “strut”, it’s technically a shock absorber in a coil-over assembly, not a structural strut tower arrangement.

What should an owner focus on instead? Look after the dampers and front-end hardware that actually do the work. If the ute feels floaty, crashes over bumps, dives hard under brakes, hops on corrugations, clunks, or shows uneven tyre wear, it’s time to inspect. Up front, check shocks for oil misting, bush wear, and shaft pitting, inspect upper and lower control arm bushes and ball joints, and the sway bar links/bushes. In the rear, check shock absorber condition, leaf spring bushes, and U-bolt torque. After any suspension work, a wheel alignment is a must. For many Rangers used on mixed roads, dampers are commonly refreshed somewhere around 80,000–150,000 km, sooner if the ute does heaps of towing, off-roading, or corrugated gravel. When replacing, choose quality dampers matched to accessories and load (bull bar, canopy, drawers, constant load springs), and torque suspension bushes at normal ride height to avoid preloading.

Technical sources referenced:

• Ford Ranger PX III (2019–2022) Workshop Manual, Section 204-01/204-02: Front independent double wishbone with coil-over shock, rear leaf spring with gas shock.
• Ford Australia 2022 Ranger specification data: front independent double wishbone, rear leaf spring.
• Monroe AU/NZ and Bilstein application guides for 2015–2022 Ranger: shock absorber listings (no MacPherson strut assemblies).

FAQs

Does a 2022 Ford Ranger have struts?
No. It uses a double-wishbone front end with a coil-over shock absorber and a leaf-sprung rear with separate shocks. People sometimes say “struts” out of habit, but they’re not MacPherson struts on this ute.

What should be serviced instead of struts on a 2022 Ranger?
Focus on the front and rear shock absorbers, control arm bushes and ball joints, sway bar links/bushes, rear leaf spring bushes and U-bolt torque. Replace worn dampers, then get a wheel alignment to protect tyres and steering feel.

Can I fit aftermarket “struts” or coil-overs to my 2022 Ranger?
You can fit aftermarket coil-over shocks, but they’re still not MacPherson struts. Choose parts that suit added weight and intended ride height. In AU/NZ, stick to local rules for lift limits and get an alignment after fitting.