suspension

Lower Control Arm - Rear

for 1994–2007 Dodge Ram 2500 5.9L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.7 h

Tools

Steps

🔍Draft — verification in progress. This procedure was built from OLP's spec database on August 20, 2026 and is queued for line-by-line review by Chris Hackleman — master technicians with 20+ years each. That review typically completes within 3 days of generation, and this banner changes to a verified badge the moment it does. Until then, cross-check every torque value and fluid capacity against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. If something looks off, report it below — a real person reads every report.

This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the rear lower control arm on a 4WD Dodge Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

⚠️Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Always use properly rated jack stands on solid, level ground.

⚠The control arm is under load from the suspension. Use care when removing mounting bolts as the arm may shift position suddenly.

⚠Control arm bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on the suspension. Torquing while suspended can cause premature bushing failure.

Tools required

Floor jackEssential

Jack standsEssential

Torque wrench (0-200 lb-ft range)Essential

21mm socketEssential

18mm socketEssential

15mm socketEssential

Breaker barEssential

Ball joint separator/pickle forkEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Parts

Rear lower control arm × 1 — Verify OEM or aftermarket part for your specific year and axle configuration
Cotter pin × 1 — Use OEM specification

As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground
Raise rear of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under the frame rails
Remove rear wheel on the side being serviced
Spray all control arm bolts and ball joint nut with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1
Support the rear axle
Position a floor jack under the rear axle housing near the control arm mounting point. Raise jack just enough to slightly compress the suspension and support the axle weight. This prevents the axle from dropping excessively when the control arm is disconnected.
2
Remove ball joint cotter pin
Locate the ball joint nut where the lower control arm connects to the axle housing. Straighten and remove the cotter pin from the ball joint nut castle slots. Discard the old cotter pin.
3
Remove ball joint nut
Using an 18mm socket, remove the ball joint nut from the ball joint stud. Keep the nut for reference when installing the new control arm.
4
Separate ball joint from axle
Insert a ball joint separator or pickle fork between the control arm and axle housing at the ball joint. Strike the tool with a hammer to break the taper fit and separate the ball joint stud from the axle housing. The control arm will now be free at the axle end.
⚠The pickle fork method will damage the ball joint boot. Ensure you are replacing the entire control arm before proceeding.
5
Remove front control arm mounting bolt
Locate the front mounting bolt that attaches the control arm to the frame bracket. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the front mounting bolt and nut. Note the orientation of the bolt for reinstallation.
6
Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the rear mounting bolt and nut that attaches the control arm to the frame bracket. Support the control arm as you remove the bolt to prevent it from falling.
7
Remove old control arm
Remove the old control arm from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting points on the frame and axle for damage, excessive rust, or worn bushings in the frame mounts. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
8
Install new control arm
Position the new control arm between the frame brackets and axle housing. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts through the frame brackets and control arm bushings. Thread nuts onto bolts hand-tight only. Do not torque at this time.
9
Connect ball joint to axle
Use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle housing to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the axle bracket. Insert the ball joint stud through the axle bracket and thread on the ball joint nut hand-tight.
10
Torque ball joint nut
Torque the ball joint nut to specification. Align the castle nut slots with the hole in the ball joint stud. If necessary, tighten the nut slightly more (never loosen) to align the slots. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
11
Reinstall wheel
Install the wheel onto the hub and thread on all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug, but do not torque yet.
12
Lower vehicle to load suspension
Remove jack stands from under the frame. Lower the vehicle until the wheels are on the ground and full vehicle weight is on the suspension. The suspension must be at normal ride height to properly torque the control arm bolts.
13
Torque control arm mounting bolts
With the vehicle weight on the wheels, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This ensures the bushings are not preloaded in a twisted position.
14
Final torque wheel lug nuts
Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even clamping force.

Reassembly

If replacing both sides, repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side
Lower vehicle completely and remove wheel chocks

Verification

Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and cotter pin is properly installed
Bounce the rear of the vehicle to settle the suspension and verify no unusual noises
Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify proper handling with no clunking or loose feeling
Schedule a professional alignment check as control arm replacement can affect rear axle alignment