The 2013 Explorer uses MacPherson struts in the front and traditional shock absorbers in the rear (with coil springs). In short, front suspension is strut-based, while the rear relies on shocks.
Design overview
Ford’s 2013 Explorer pairs a front strut-based suspension with a rear independent multi-link setup. This two-axle arrangement is common in mid-size SUVs and aims to balance ride comfort, handling, and cargo-versatility across various trims and drivetrain configurations.
Front suspension: MacPherson struts
In the 2013 Explorer, the front suspension uses a MacPherson strut arrangement. The strut assembly combines the shock absorber and the coil spring into a single unit connected to the steering knuckle. A stabilizer bar helps limit body roll during cornering.
Front-suspension components include:
- MacPherson strut assembly (shock absorber integrated with coil spring)
- Coil spring wrapped around the strut
- Steering knuckle and control arms
- Stabilizer (anti-roll) bar
This design is compact and widely used in SUVs, making struts a common service item for front-end maintenance.
Rear suspension: multi-link with coil springs and shocks
The rear of the 2013 Explorer employs an independent multi-link suspension with coil springs. The dampers are separate shock absorbers, typically gas-charged, mounted to the suspension arms to absorb impacts and maintain wheel contact with the road.
Rear-suspension components include:
- Independent multi-link rear suspension
- Coil springs
- Separate shock absorbers (gas-charged)
- Rear stabilizer bar
With the shocks as separate units, rear suspension maintenance often involves replacing shocks independently of the coil springs, depending on wear and diagnostics.
What this means for ride and maintenance
For drivers, this means a front end built around struts and a rear end that uses shocks. The front struts are the primary wear items to monitor, while rear shocks typically follow a separate maintenance schedule. The combination aims to deliver a comfortable ride with respectable handling across varying road conditions.
Summary
In summary, the 2013 Ford Explorer features front MacPherson struts and a rear independent multi-link suspension with coil springs and separate shock absorbers. Therefore, it has front struts and rear shocks, reflecting a common two-suspension design for mid-size SUVs of that era.