This page lists 33 suspension parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer, across 8 part types, covering both the 2.3L L4 Turbocharged and the 3.0L V6 Turbocharged. Every part shows its brand, manufacturer part number and fitment notes.
On the 2026 Ford Explorer, the suspension system controls ride, tire contact and alignment through shocks, struts, control arms, bushings and links. 25 parts of the 33 listed are Shock / Strut (11 parts), Control Arm (8 parts) and Sway Bar Link (6 parts). The other 5 part types cover the remaining 8 parts.
The 2026 Ford Explorer was sold with both the 2.3L L4 Turbocharged and the 3.0L V6 Turbocharged. 25 parts fit every engine; the other 8 are engine-specific. Each part shows which engine(s) it fits.
The most listed brands for 2026 Ford Explorer suspension parts are MOTORCRAFT (26 parts), MOOG (3 parts) and MONROE (2 parts), plus 2 more brands.
6 parts on this 2026 Ford Explorer page carry a "Popular" badge — the source catalog's flag for options frequently chosen for this vehicle — including MOTORCRAFT MCF2589 (Control Arm) and MOTORCRAFT ASH85983 (Shock / Strut). Click any part number to see every vehicle that part fits.
Alignment Bolt / Camber Plate
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DELPHI Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | TAL10017 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Kit | View on Amazon |
This table covers the cam bolts and plates used to set camber at the knuckle. Typical signs include warpage, cracks, or a plate that no longer locates the assembly. Confirm which plate the notes describe — backing plates, clutch plates and strike plates are different parts.
This group shows a single part: DELPHI TAL10017.
Ball Joint
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DORMAN Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | 540043 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Lower | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2521 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Lower | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2520 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | View on Amazon |
This table covers the ball joints that articulate each control arm at the knuckle.
3 Ball Joint parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer come from 2 brands — MOTORCRAFT and DORMAN. Every part fits both the 2.3L L4 Turbocharged and the 3.0L V6 Turbocharged.
This group includes DORMAN 540043, MOTORCRAFT MCF2521 and MOTORCRAFT MCF2520.
Control Arm
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2589 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right Center | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2590 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Left Center | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | SCL4 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | RearRear Knuckle and Suspension Arms | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2698 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Leftwith Sensor | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2699 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Right | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCF2714 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear LeftLess Air Suspension | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MCS190159 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Complete Arm with Ball Joint | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | MCF2489 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front Right Center | View on Amazon |
This table covers the control arms that locate each hub relative to the chassis. Typical signs include clunks over bumps, a wander on the highway, or inner-edge tire wear. Get an alignment after any control-arm work, and inspect the ball joint and bushings that came with the arm.
8 Control Arm parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer come from MOTORCRAFT. The "Popular" part is MOTORCRAFT MCF2589. 7 parts fit every engine; the other 1 is engine-specific.
This group includes MOTORCRAFT MCF2589, MOTORCRAFT MCF2590 and MOTORCRAFT SCL4 and the remaining parts above.
Shock / Strut
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | ASH85983 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Suspension StrutNew | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | ASH86014 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | RearST Model | View on Amazon |
| MONROE Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | 73169 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | OESpectrum | View on Amazon |
| MONROE Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | 73170 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | OESpectrum | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 2.3L L4 Turbocharged | AST806193 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front LeftAWD | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | ASH8666383 | 🇺🇸 US 🇲🇽 MX | RearRWD | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | ASH8666402 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | RearTremor | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 2.3L L4 Turbocharged | ASH8666404 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | RearAWD | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 2.3L L4 Turbocharged | ASH8666406 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front RightXLT Series or Platinum Version or ST Line | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | ASH85985 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Suspension StrutNew | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: 3.0L V6 Turbocharged | ASH8666403 | 🇺🇸 US | Rear LeftRWD | View on Amazon |
This table covers the shocks and struts that damp wheel motion. Typical signs include a nose that keeps bouncing, cupped tires, or fluid weeping down the body. Replace shocks or struts in axle pairs and renew the mounts if they are torn or collapsed.
11 Shock / Strut parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer come from 2 brands — MOTORCRAFT and MONROE. The "Popular" part is MOTORCRAFT ASH85983. 4 parts fit every engine; the other 7 are engine-specific.
Shock / Strut Bearing
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | AD1180 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front | View on Amazon |
This table covers the Shock / Strut bearings. Typical signs include a growl that rises with speed, or play in the shaft or hub. Set preload the way the notes specify. A dry or crushed bearing fails quickly.
This group shows a single part: MOTORCRAFT AD1180.
Shock / Strut Bellow
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | STB12 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Chicago Assembly Plant | View on Amazon |
This table covers the Shock / Strut bellows.
One part is listed for the 2026 Ford Explorer — MOTORCRAFT STB12.
Shock / Strut Mount
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | AD1179 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rearbracket | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | AD1324 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Mounting Assembly | View on Amazon |
This table covers the upper mounts (and bearings) a strut bolts through at the tower. Typical signs include a clunk on takeoff, a vibration at idle, or a separated rubber insert. Support the powertrain before unbolting a mount, and torque the fasteners in the notes.
MOTORCRAFT supplies both parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer. All of them fit every engine offered in the 2026 Explorer.
Listed part numbers: MOTORCRAFT AD1179 and MOTORCRAFT AD1324.
Sway Bar Link
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MEF526 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Right | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Popular Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MEF525 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | K750987 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Front | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | K750992 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Right | View on Amazon |
| MOOG Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | K750993 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Left | View on Amazon |
| MOTORCRAFT Fits: all 2026 Explorer engines | MEF527 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA 🇲🇽 MX | Rear Left | View on Amazon |
This table covers the links that connect the anti-roll bar to each control arm or strut. Typical signs include a clunk on one wheel over a driveway, or a rattle that goes away when you lean on the bar. Replace links in pairs; a seized stud often takes the bushing with it.
6 Sway Bar Link parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer come from 2 brands — MOTORCRAFT and MOOG. The "Popular" part is MOTORCRAFT MEF526. Every part fits both the 2.3L L4 Turbocharged and the 3.0L V6 Turbocharged.
Part numbers include MOTORCRAFT MEF526, MOTORCRAFT MEF525 and MOOG K750987, among others listed above.
Buying Suspension Parts for a 2026 Ford Explorer
On this vehicle, the suspension system controls ride, tire contact and alignment through shocks, struts, control arms, bushings and links.
- Match the engine first. Some suspension parts fit every engine; others are engine-specific. Each row shows which engine(s) it fits.
- Read the notes on each row for position, trim and spec qualifiers before you order.
- Where labor overlaps, replace shocks and struts in axle pairs, renew the sway-bar links with the struts, and get an alignment after any control-arm or tie-rod work.
- Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against your old part or a service-manual listing.
Start with the largest groups on this page: Shock / Strut and Control Arm .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many suspension parts fit the 2026 Ford Explorer?
Our catalog currently lists 33 suspension parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer across 8 subcategories and 5 brands, covering both the 2.3L L4 Turbocharged and the 3.0L V6 Turbocharged. Each part is matched to the engine(s) it fits.
Do suspension parts differ between 2026 Ford Explorer engines?
Some do. 25 parts fit every engine; the other 8 are engine-specific. Each row (and the filter at the top) shows which. If you're unsure which engine you have, check the emissions label under the hood or the 8th character of your VIN.
What are the signs of suspension problems on a 2026 Ford Explorer?
Common symptoms include clunks over speed bumps, wandering steering, cupped tire wear, or a nose that keeps bouncing after a dip. If you notice any of these, identify the affected subcategory above and cross-reference the part numbers listed.
What should I replace at the same time?
Where labor overlaps, replace shocks and struts in axle pairs, renew the sway-bar links with the struts, and get an alignment after any control-arm or tie-rod work.
What do the market flags (US, CA, MX) on each part mean?
They show the market for which the manufacturer published application data for that part — where the vehicle was first sold, not where the part was made. If your 2026 Ford Explorer was originally sold in the US, the safest choice is a part marked for the US market.
How do I make sure a part fits my 2026 Ford Explorer?
First match the engine — each row shows which engine(s) the part fits. Then worn bushings often mimic bad shocks — inspect before buying, and remember loaded vs unloaded strut assemblies differ in labor by hours. The notes column carries position and trim qualifiers where they apply.
Other Parts for the 2026 Ford Explorer
Suspension Parts for Other Ford Explorer Years
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