Strut Mount - Front

This procedure replaces the front strut mount assembly on a 4WD Ram 2500 with the 5.9L Cummins diesel, requiring removal of the strut assembly from the vehicle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly × 2 — Use OEM specification or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 2 — Check if included with mount
• Upper strut nut × 2 — Reuse if in good condition

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Spray penetrating oil on strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link connections
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands at frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Position floor jack under lower control arm for support during disassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connection at the lower strut bracket. Use a wrench on the flats of the link shaft to prevent rotation while removing the upper nut with another wrench. If link is seized, it may need to be cut off and replaced.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   This step does not apply — the 4WD Ram 2500 has no strut-to-knuckle bolts. The front shock absorber mounts to a lower bracket on the axle, not to the steering knuckle. These are tight and may require a breaker bar. Support the knuckle assembly with the floor jack positioned under the lower control arm to prevent it from dropping when the strut is removed.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly will drop slightly when strut is disconnected. Ensure floor jack is supporting the lower control arm.
3. 3

   Access strut tower mounting nuts
   This step does not apply — the Ram 2500 4WD has no strut towers. The upper shock absorber mount attaches via a single stud/nut to a frame bracket, not three strut tower nuts. On the driver side, you may need to move wiring harnesses or other components aside for access. Clean away any dirt or debris from the mounting area.
4. 4

   Remove strut tower nuts and extract strut
   Remove the three nuts securing the strut mount to the strut tower. Have a helper support the strut from below, or support it with your hand from above as you remove the final nut. Carefully guide the strut assembly down and out through the wheel well. The assembly is heavy and awkward due to the weight of the diesel engine.
   ⚠Strut assembly is heavy and bulky. Use proper lifting technique and have assistance available.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Install spring compressors
   Place the strut assembly on a stable work surface. On the Ram 2500 4WD solid-axle suspension, the front coil spring is not part of a strut assembly. Spring removal is performed on the vehicle by supporting and lowering the axle to relieve spring tension — bench spring compression of a strut does not apply here. Install compressors at least 180 degrees apart for balanced compression. Begin compressing the spring gradually, alternating between compressors to maintain even pressure.
   ⚠️Verify spring compressors are properly seated and rated for the load before compressing. Compress evenly to prevent spring from shifting or binding.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and mount
   Once spring is fully compressed and tension is relieved from the upper mount (mount should move freely), This step does not apply — the Ram 2500 4WD has no strut shaft, upper strut mount, or bearing plate. The front shock absorber is a separate unit that unbolts at the top and bottom mounts. Note the orientation and order of all components for reassembly.
   ⚠️Do not remove strut shaft nut until spring is fully compressed and mount moves freely. Spring must have no tension on mount.
7. 7

   Inspect components and prepare new mount
   Inspect the coil spring for cracks or damage. Check the strut shaft for scoring or fluid leaks. Examine the bearing plate and ensure the new mount includes all necessary components (mount, bearing, insulators). Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush.
8. 8

   Install new strut mount assembly
   This step does not apply — there is no strut mount, rotating bearing plate, or strut shaft nut on the Ram 2500 4WD. Front coil springs are installed with their upper and lower isolators between the axle and frame perches. Hold the shaft and tighten the nut securely, but final torque will be applied after spring decompression if required by mount manufacturer instructions.
9. 9

   Decompress spring and remove compressors
   Carefully and evenly decompress the spring by alternating between spring compressors. Ensure the spring seats properly in the upper and lower isolators as pressure is released. Once spring is fully seated and compressors are loose, remove the spring compressors completely.
   ⚠Decompress spring slowly and evenly. Verify spring is seating properly in isolators as you release tension.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly to vehicle
    Lift the strut assembly into position, guiding the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes. Install the three upper mounting nuts and tighten to specification. Align the lower strut bracket with the steering knuckle mounting holes.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect strut to steering knuckle
    Insert the strut-to-knuckle bolts and install nuts. Tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Ensure the strut bracket is fully seated against the knuckle before final torquing.
12. 12

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Connect the sway bar link to the strut bracket. Install the nut and tighten to specification while holding the link shaft with a wrench to prevent rotation.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link61 Nm (45 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque the lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the entire procedure on the opposite side front strut mount. Both front strut mounts should be replaced as a pair for balanced handling and ride quality.

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification
2. Confirm sway bar links are properly connected on both sides
3. Check that no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or engine compartment
4. Perform final torque check on wheel lug nuts after vehicle is on ground

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for any unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for smooth steering response with no binding or unusual resistance
• Verify no clunking sounds over bumps that would indicate loose components
• Inspect strut tower area for any signs of mount movement or loose hardware
• Schedule a professional alignment check, as strut mount replacement can affect alignment settings

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