suspension

Coil Spring - Front

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Advanced

Time

3.2 h

Tools

Steps

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the front coil springs on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine and 4WD, requiring suspension disassembly and use of a spring compressor.

Warnings

⚠️Compressed coil springs store enormous energy and can cause severe injury or death if released improperly. NEVER work under a spring-loaded suspension component without proper spring compression tools.

⚠️This vehicle weighs over 7,000 lbs. Use appropriately rated jack stands and never rely solely on a hydraulic jack. Always use multiple support points.

⚠️Suspension work affects vehicle handling and safety. If you are uncertain about any step, have the work performed by a qualified professional.

⚠Ball joints and control arm connections on this heavy-duty truck are under extreme tension. Use proper tools to separate joints and never place body parts in the potential release path.

⚠The front differential and steering components are in close proximity. Take care not to damage brake lines, ABS wiring, or CV axles during suspension work.

ℹ️This procedure requires an alignment after completion. Plan to have a professional four-wheel alignment performed.

Tools required

Coil spring compressor (heavy-duty)Essential

Floor jack and jack stands rated for 3+ tonsEssential

Torque wrench (50-200 lb-ft range)Essential

Breaker barEssential

Socket set (metric)Essential

Wrench set (metric)Essential

Pry bar

Ball joint separator or pickle forkEssential

Hammer (dead blow)

Penetrating oil

Wire brush

Safety glassesEssential

Mechanic's glovesEssential

Parts

Front coil spring (left) × 1 — Use OEM specification for load rating
Front coil spring (right) × 1 — Use OEM specification for load rating
Ball joint nut (if reusable nut is damaged) × 2 — OEM replacement
Strut tower mounting nuts (if corroded) × 6 — OEM replacement

Preparation

Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
Chock rear wheels securely on both sides
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Raise front of vehicle using a floor jack at the front differential or frame rails
Support vehicle on jack stands rated for at least 3 tons, placed securely on frame rails behind lower control arms
Remove front wheels completely
Spray all suspension fasteners with penetrating oil and allow to soak for 15-30 minutes
Inspect spring compressor tool to ensure it is rated for heavy-duty truck springs and is in good working condition

Procedure

1
Disconnect sway bar link
Locate the sway bar link connection to the lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while loosening the lower sway bar link nut with a wrench. Remove the nut completely and disconnect the sway bar link from the lower control arm. Allow the link to hang from the sway bar.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2
Support lower control arm
Position a floor jack directly under the lower control arm ball joint area. Raise the jack just enough to make contact and provide slight upward pressure. This will support the control arm when the shock is disconnected and will allow controlled lowering of the suspension. Do NOT raise the suspension at this point.
⚠The floor jack must remain in position throughout spring removal. If the jack slips, the suspension will drop suddenly and could cause injury.
3
Remove shock absorber lower mounting bolt
Locate the lower shock mounting bolt that connects the shock absorber to the lower control arm. Remove this bolt completely using a socket and breaker bar. The shock may need to be supported to prevent it from falling. Pull the shock absorber upward and secure it out of the way using wire or a bungee cord.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
4
Disconnect upper ball joint
Locate the upper ball joint nut connecting the upper control arm to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped, then use a socket to loosen and remove the upper ball joint nut. Use a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork to separate the upper ball joint from the knuckle. Strike the separator tool firmly with a hammer until the taper releases. The knuckle and brake assembly will now pivot downward.
⚠When the ball joint separates, the knuckle assembly will drop suddenly. Ensure the floor jack is supporting the lower control arm and that no hands or body parts are in the drop path.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
5
Lower control arm to relieve spring tension
Very slowly and carefully lower the floor jack supporting the lower control arm. As you lower it, the coil spring will begin to extend. Lower the control arm approximately 4-6 inches until there is visible space between the upper spring seat and the coil spring. Monitor the spring carefully during this process. Do NOT attempt to remove the spring yet.
⚠️Lower the jack very slowly and maintain control. The spring is still under significant tension. Stand clear of the spring's potential release path.
6
Install spring compressor
With the spring partially extended, install the coil spring compressor according to the tool manufacturer's instructions. Position the compressor hooks evenly on opposite sides of the spring, typically with at least 3 coils between the upper and lower hooks. Ensure the hooks are fully seated and secure. Begin tightening the compressor evenly, alternating between sides to compress the spring uniformly. Compress the spring until it is completely loose from both the upper and lower spring seats.
⚠️Use only a heavy-duty spring compressor rated for truck applications. Automotive spring compressors designed for passenger cars are NOT adequate for this vehicle and may fail catastrophically.
⚠Tighten the compressor evenly and check frequently that the hooks remain fully engaged. An uneven or slipping compressor can release suddenly.
7
Remove coil spring
With the spring fully compressed and loose from both seats, carefully remove the spring from the vehicle. It may be necessary to tilt or rotate the spring to maneuver it past the control arms and steering components. Keep the spring compressor installed and tight throughout removal. Place the compressed spring in a safe location away from the work area.
⚠️Do NOT release the spring compressor until you are ready to install the spring or dispose of it. The compressed spring contains lethal amounts of stored energy.
8
Inspect and prepare new spring
Inspect the upper and lower spring isolators (rubber pads) on both spring seats. Replace them if they are cracked, compressed, or deteriorated. Clean both the upper and lower spring seats thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. If installing a new spring, verify it matches the original spring's specifications for load rating and height. Install the spring compressor on the new spring and compress it to approximately the same length as the removed spring.
ℹ️Ram 2500 trucks may have different spring ratings based on cab configuration and payload package. Verify the replacement spring matches your vehicle's specifications.
9
Install new coil spring
Maneuver the compressed new spring into position between the upper and lower spring seats. Ensure the spring isolators are properly positioned on both seats. Align the end of the spring coil with any positioning tabs or marks on the spring seats. The spring must be oriented correctly with the tighter-wound coils typically at the top. Once positioned, verify the spring is centered and properly seated.
10
Raise lower control arm and release spring tension
Use the floor jack to slowly raise the lower control arm back up toward its normal ride height position. As you raise the control arm, the spring will begin to seat more fully against the upper spring seat. Raise the control arm until the spring is just beginning to compress. At this point, very carefully and slowly release tension on the spring compressor tool. Monitor the spring to ensure it remains properly seated in both upper and lower seats as tension is released. Once the spring is fully supporting the suspension, remove the spring compressor completely.
⚠️Release spring compressor tension very gradually. If the spring is not properly seated, it can slip and cause injury. Stop immediately if the spring appears to be shifting position.
11
Reconnect upper ball joint
Continue raising the floor jack to bring the steering knuckle upward. Align the upper ball joint stud with the hole in the top of the steering knuckle. You may need to use a pry bar or lever to align the components. Once aligned, install the upper ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin if equipped.
Torque spec
Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
12
Reinstall shock absorber
Remove any wire or bungee cord securing the shock absorber. Pull the shock downward and align the lower mounting hole with the hole in the lower control arm. Insert the lower shock mounting bolt and tighten to specification. Ensure the shock is properly oriented and not twisted.
Torque spec
Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
13
Reconnect sway bar link
Align the sway bar link with the mounting point on the lower control arm. Install the sway bar link nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key. Tighten the nut to specification.
Torque spec
Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14
Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Remove the floor jack from under the lower control arm. Raise the vehicle slightly with the main floor jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground with partial weight on it. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Then fully lower the vehicle to the ground.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
15
Repeat for opposite side
Repeat steps 1 through 14 for the opposite side front coil spring. Both front springs should be replaced as a pair to maintain even ride height and handling characteristics.

Reassembly

After both springs are installed and vehicle is on the ground, bounce the front end several times to settle the suspension
Verify all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
Check that no tools or parts were left in the suspension area
Road test the vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify proper suspension operation
Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment as soon as possible - suspension geometry has been altered and tire wear will occur without proper alignment

Verification

Measure front ride height on both sides - should be equal within 1/2 inch
Verify no unusual noises when driving over bumps or during turns
Check that steering returns to center properly
Confirm vehicle sits level when viewed from the front
Inspect all suspension fasteners visually to confirm proper installation
After 50-100 miles of driving, re-torque all suspension fasteners and verify wheel lug nut torque
Have four-wheel alignment checked and adjusted by a professional alignment shop