This procedure replaces both front coil springs on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel, requiring suspension disassembly and the use of a spring compressor tool.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front coil spring - driver side × 1 — Use OEM specification for 4WD diesel application
• Front coil spring - passenger side × 1 — Use OEM specification for 4WD diesel application
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Inspect and replace if worn

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Apply penetrating oil to all suspension fasteners at least 30 minutes before starting work
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground but do not remove
5. Lift front of vehicle and support on heavy-duty jack stands positioned under the frame rails
6. Remove both front wheels completely
7. Support lower control arms with floor jack positioned to allow controlled lowering

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar links
   Locate the front sway bar end links connecting the sway bar to the lower control arms. Hold the link shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning, then remove the nuts securing both front sway bar links. Disconnect links from lower control arms and move sway bar out of working area.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut upper mounting nuts
   Open the hood and locate the three strut tower nuts at the top of each strut assembly in the engine bay. Remove all three nuts from the strut tower on the side being serviced first. Support the strut assembly from below with a jack to prevent it from dropping.
   ⚠Ensure strut assembly is properly supported before removing upper mounting nuts to prevent sudden drop.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect lower ball joint
   Locate the lower ball joint nut connecting the lower control arm to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin if equipped, then remove the ball joint nut completely. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to separate the ball joint taper from the knuckle. Do not damage the ball joint boot if reusing components.
   ⚠Using a pickle fork will likely damage the ball joint boot. Use a proper ball joint separator if reusing the ball joint.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut lower mounting bolts
   Locate the bolts securing the bottom of the strut assembly to the steering knuckle or lower control arm. Remove these mounting bolts completely. Carefully maneuver the strut assembly out of the vehicle, guiding it through the upper tower opening. You may need to turn the steering to gain clearance.
   Torque spec

   Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Compress the coil spring
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or strut vise if available. Install the coil spring compressor tool following manufacturer instructions, engaging at least three full coils on opposite sides of the spring. Slowly and evenly compress the spring, alternating sides, until all tension is removed from the upper strut mount. The spring must be compressed enough that it moves freely.
   ⚠️Compress spring slowly and evenly. An improperly installed or failing spring compressor can cause the spring to violently release, causing severe injury or death.
   ⚠️Never place any body part in the path of potential spring release. Stand to the side while operating the compressor.
6. 6

   Disassemble strut and remove old spring
   With the spring fully compressed, hold the strut shaft with a wrench or shaft holder and remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper mount assembly, bearing plate, spring isolator, and compressed spring from the strut. Keep all components organized and inspect the upper mount and bearing for wear. Set the old spring aside while still compressed.
   ⚠Keep the old spring compressed until the new spring is safely installed and compressed. This prevents accidents during cleanup.
7. 7

   Install and compress new coil spring
   Install the spring compressor on the new coil spring, positioning it identically to how it was installed on the old spring. Compress the new spring until it is the same compressed length as the old spring and moves freely. Verify the spring compressor is securely engaged on at least three full coils on each side.
   ⚠️Ensure the new spring is compressed sufficiently before attempting to install it on the strut assembly.
8. 8

   Reassemble strut with new spring
   Place the compressed new spring onto the strut body with the spring isolator properly positioned. Install the bearing plate and upper mount assembly, ensuring all components are correctly aligned and seated. Thread on the upper strut shaft nut and hold the shaft while tightening the nut to specification. Verify all components are properly seated before releasing spring tension.
   ⚠Ensure spring isolators and upper mount are properly aligned before tightening. Misalignment can cause noise and premature wear.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Release spring tension and verify assembly
   Slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tension, alternating sides to allow the spring to expand evenly and seat properly in the upper and lower isolators. Once fully released, verify the spring is correctly seated in both the upper mount and lower strut perch. Remove the spring compressor tool. Inspect the assembly for proper seating before installation.
   ⚠️Release spring tension slowly and evenly. Keep hands and body clear of the spring path.
10. 10

    Install strut assembly into vehicle
    Guide the assembled strut back into the vehicle through the upper strut tower opening. Align the upper studs with the mounting holes in the strut tower and hand-thread the nuts. Install the lower strut mounting bolts through the steering knuckle or lower mount and hand-thread. Do not fully tighten at this stage.
11. 11

    Reconnect lower ball joint
    Position the steering knuckle onto the lower ball joint stud. Install the ball joint nut and tighten to specification. Install a new cotter pin if equipped, or follow manufacturer specifications for securing the nut.
    Torque spec

    Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque all suspension fasteners
    Torque the strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern. Torque the lower strut mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect the sway bar links and torque the nuts while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning. Verify all fasteners are properly tightened.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

    Strut Bolts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Repeat procedure for opposite side
    Complete the entire spring replacement procedure for the opposite side of the vehicle following steps 2 through 12. Both springs must be replaced as a pair to maintain proper vehicle balance and handling.
14. 14

    Reinstall wheels and perform final checks
    Reinstall both front wheels and hand-tighten lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until wheels contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands. Bounce each corner of the vehicle several times to settle the suspension.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All suspension fasteners must be torqued to specification with the vehicle at normal ride height
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or suspension area
3. Check that all fasteners are tightened and cotter pins are installed where required
4. If control arm bolts were loosened during the procedure, they must be torqued with vehicle weight on the wheels per specifications

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all work areas to ensure proper assembly
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, listening for unusual noises or handling issues
• Check for any fluid leaks or loose components after test drive
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment immediately - this is mandatory after spring replacement
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Monitor vehicle handling and ride quality over the first few hundred miles

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