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Who makes Ford OEM struts?

Ford OEM struts are produced by multiple Tier 1 suppliers under contract with Ford, not by a single in-house manufacturer. The most widely used OE supplier in North America has been Monroe (a brand owned by Tenneco), while Europe and other regions rely on additional partners such as Sachs (ZF) and Bilstein, with KYB as another contributor in some markets. The exact supplier varies by model, year and regional production.

How Ford sources its OE struts

Ford’s original equipment struts come from several key suppliers, selected through long-term contracts with tier-one manufacturers. The arrangement is dynamic, changing with model lines, generations, and regional manufacturing strategies. The following overview highlights the general landscape rather than a single universal answer.

North America — Monroe (Tenneco)

Europe — Sachs (ZF) and Bilstein (ZF), with KYB featured on certain models or markets

Other regions — KYB and other regional suppliers as dictated by local production agreements

The exact supplier for any given Ford vehicle depends on the model, production year, and regional assembly plans. This regional and model-based diversity is typical in global automakers to optimize supply chains and manufacturing efficiency.

Regional highlights

North America

Monroe, under the Tenneco umbrella, has historically been a leading OEM supplier for Ford’s suspension components in the United States and Canada, providing front struts and related shock assemblies across numerous model lines. The specific part numbers and configurations vary by model year and trim.

Europe

In European markets, Ford has used a mix of European suppliers, including Sachs (ZF) and Bilstein, for OEM struts on various models. KYB has also appeared on select European vehicles as part of Ford’s broader supplier network. Model-specific configurations determine the exact supplier and part designation.

Other regions

Beyond North America and Europe, Ford’s OEM struts come from regional tier-one partners chosen through local supply agreements. The mix can include KYB or other regional manufacturers depending on the vehicle and factory location.

What OEM means for Ford parts buyers

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts carry Ford part numbers and are designed to match the specifications of the vehicle as originally built. In aftermarket channels, parts labeled as Ford OE or Motorcraft are intended to align with Ford’s specifications, but buyers should verify exact part numbers and compatibility for their VIN and model year to avoid mismatches or performance differences.

Summary

Ford’s OEM struts are produced by a roster of Tier 1 suppliers rather than a single supplier. Monroe (Tenneco) has been a dominant OEM source in North America, while Europe relies on brands like Sachs (ZF) and Bilstein, with KYB serving some markets as well. The precise supplier varies by model, year and region, reflecting Ford’s global procurement strategy. For buyers replacing struts, confirming the exact Ford part number for their vehicle is essential to ensure OE compatibility and performance.

Who manufactures Motorcraft struts?

Motorcraft struts are made by Ford Motor Company itself, as Motorcraft is Ford's dedicated parts brand. These parts are designed by Ford to meet the original factory specifications for its vehicles, ensuring a precise fit and performance that aligns with the original components.

Ford-owned brand: Motorcraft is an in-house brand of the Ford Motor Company, similar to "Genuine Ford Parts".
Designed for Ford vehicles: The parts are designed by Ford and are recommended for use in Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
Factory specifications: Motorcraft struts are manufactured to meet precise factory specifications to ensure the proper build quality, integrity, and long-lasting performance of Ford vehicles.

What brand are Ford OEM parts?

Ford OEM parts are made by Ford Motor Company or by its approved subcontractors. Ford sources parts globally from various suppliers, including companies like Valeo, NHK Spring, and Flex-N-Gate. These parts are sold under the Ford Genuine Parts brand or the Motorcraft brand, which is a division of Ford that makes both OEM and aftermarket parts.

Ford Genuine Parts

Description: Parts that are identical to the ones installed in new Ford vehicles.
Purpose: To restore original vehicle performance and reliability.
Branding: The "Genuine" part of the name signifies that these are the official OEM parts.

Motorcraft

Description: A Ford-owned brand that produces a wide range of parts.
Purpose: Supplies both OEM parts identical to those in a new Ford and aftermarket parts designed to be compatible with Ford vehicles.
Branding: Parts are stamped with the Motorcraft® brand or the Ford Blue Oval.

Other suppliers

Ford contracts with numerous companies to manufacture specific components.
These suppliers operate globally, producing parts for Ford in various countries.
Examples include Flex-N-Gate for door hinges, U-Shin for steering columns, and Valeo for starter assemblies.

What brand of struts does Ford use?

Ford Parts Center offers the Only Motorcraft OEM-Spec loaded struts for Ford and Lincoln vehicles.

Is Bilstein better than OEM?

Yes, Bilstein shocks are generally considered better than OEM shocks for performance and handling, offering improved damping and responsiveness through advanced technology like their gas-pressurized monotube design. However, for some, this can result in a stiffer, sportier ride, which may be less comfortable than a standard OEM shock designed for comfort. The "better" choice depends on whether you prioritize performance or the factory-tuned soft ride.

Advantages of Bilstein shocks

Improved handling: Bilstein's designs, such as the digressive piston, allow the shock to react instantly to changing conditions, leading to less body roll and more precise steering.
Consistent performance: The gas-pressurized monotube design prevents the hydraulic fluid from foaming (cavitation), ensuring consistent damping performance even under stress.
Durability: Bilstein shocks are engineered to be durable and long-lasting, with some models offering a lifetime warranty.
Direct OEM replacement: Bilstein offers direct-fit OEM replacement dampers (like the B6) that can be swapped in without changing other suspension components.

When OEM shocks might be "better"

Comfort: If your primary goal is to maintain the soft, comfortable ride of a factory-equipped vehicle, OEM shocks are specifically tuned for that purpose.
Cost: In some cases, a comparable OEM replacement part may be less expensive.
Factory option: If your vehicle already came with performance shocks from the factory, such as a modern TRD Off-Road Tacoma which may come with Bilsteins from the factory, replacing them with OEM units of the same type might be the most cost-effective option with little to no performance change.

How to choose

For a sportier, more performance-oriented ride: Choose Bilstein shocks to significantly upgrade your handling, responsiveness, and control.
For a factory-like, comfortable ride: Stick with OEM shocks to maintain the original soft feel.
For a direct replacement of worn-out shocks: Replacing old OEM shocks with Bilstein's OEM replacement line will provide a significant improvement in performance and durability without a drastically different feel (though still an upgrade).

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.