Replace the front upper control arm bushings on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel by removing the control arm assembly, pressing out old bushings, installing new bushings, and reinstalling with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front upper control arm bushing kit (left) × 1 — Moog K7397 or equivalent
• Front upper control arm bushing kit (right) × 1 — Moog K7397 or equivalent
• Cotter pins (ball joint) × 2 — 3/16 inch diameter

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Chock rear wheels securely
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack using frame lift points
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight under frame rails
6. Remove front wheels completely
7. Spray all control arm mounting bolts, ball joint nut, and strut tower nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak 15-20 minutes
8. Photograph or mark orientation of control arm for reference during installation

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove strut tower nuts
   Working in the engine bay, locate the three strut tower mounting nuts above the upper control arm. Remove all three nuts using a 15mm socket. Support the strut assembly with one hand as you remove the final nut to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with control arm removal, disconnect it from the upper control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while removing the nut with a wrench. This step may not be necessary depending on clearance.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and loosen nut
   Locate the upper ball joint where it connects to the steering knuckle. Use a cotter pin punch to remove and discard the cotter pin from the castle nut. Using a 22mm socket, remove the ball joint nut completely. Keep the nut as you may need to thread it back on partially for separation.
   ⚠Do not attempt to separate ball joint with nut completely removed as this can damage threads. Thread nut on a few turns before using separator.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Thread the ball joint nut back on 2-3 turns to protect the threads. Using a ball joint separator or pickle fork, separate the upper ball joint from the steering knuckle. Strike the separator tool firmly with a hammer until the taper releases. Remove the nut once separated.
   ⚠️Ball joint will release suddenly under pressure. Keep hands and face clear of pinch points.
5. 5

   Remove front control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front control arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. This bolt runs horizontally through the control arm bushing. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation and any shims or spacers present.
   ⚠Support control arm with free hand as bolt is removed to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove rear control arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear control arm mounting bolt at the frame bracket. Using an 18mm socket and wrench, remove this bolt completely. The control arm assembly can now be removed from the vehicle. Carefully maneuver it out through the wheel well opening.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect control arm and bushings
   With the control arm removed, thoroughly inspect it for cracks, deformation, or damage. Clean all surfaces with a wire brush. Mark the orientation of the old bushings before removal, noting any offset or directional features.
   ℹ️If control arm shows damage or excessive corrosion, replace the entire assembly rather than just bushings.
8. 8

   Press out old bushings
   Using a hydraulic press with appropriate bushing removal adapters, press out the old bushings from the control arm. Position the control arm securely on the press base, ensuring the bushing has clearance to exit. Apply steady pressure until the bushing is completely removed. Repeat for the second bushing location. Clean the bushing bores thoroughly with a wire brush.
   ⚠️Ensure proper alignment of press adapters to prevent control arm damage or adapter slippage under high pressure.
9. 9

   Install new bushings
   Position the new bushings in the control arm bores with correct orientation as noted during disassembly. Most bushings have a specific directional alignment. Using the hydraulic press with installation adapters, press the new bushings into place until fully seated and flush with the control arm housing. Ensure even pressure and alignment throughout the pressing operation.
   ⚠Incorrect bushing orientation will cause premature failure and handling issues. Verify alignment marks before pressing.
10. 10

    Install control arm to frame
    Position the control arm assembly back into the frame mounting brackets. Insert the front and rear mounting bolts through the bushings and frame brackets. Thread bolts in by hand but do NOT torque at this time. The bolts must only be snugged to hold position until vehicle weight is on the suspension.
    ⚠Do not torque control arm bolts until vehicle is at ride height with weight on wheels. Torquing with suspension hanging will cause bushing binding and premature failure.
11. 11

    Connect ball joint to knuckle
    Position the upper ball joint stud into the steering knuckle hole. Thread the castle nut onto the ball joint stud and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. The nut slots must align with the cotter pin hole. If necessary, tighten further (never loosen) to align the castle nut slots with the hole. Install a new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
    ⚠Ball joint nut must never be loosened to align cotter pin hole. Only tighten further if slots do not align.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall strut tower mounting
    Guide the strut assembly back up into the strut tower opening in the engine bay. Align the three mounting studs with the holes in the tower. Install all three nuts and torque to specification in a star pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it to the control arm or strut assembly. Hold the shaft with an Allen key while torquing the nut to specification.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link Nuts55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a torque wrench to specification. Carefully lower the vehicle until the tires contact the ground but the full weight is not yet on the suspension. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height and full weight on the suspension, torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. This MUST be done with vehicle weight on the wheels. Use a torque wrench with an 18mm socket. Verify both bolts are properly torqued.
    ⚠️This is the critical step for bushing longevity. Control arm bolts MUST be torqued with vehicle at ride height. Failure to do so will result in bushing failure within a few thousand miles.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side if both sides require bushing replacement
2. Ensure all fasteners are torqued to specification at proper ride height
3. Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises from front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and wheel alignment (vehicle should track straight)
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles as control arm removal will affect alignment settings
• After 50-100 miles of driving, re-verify torque on all control arm mounting bolts
• Visually inspect all connections for proper seating and security

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