Lateral Arm

Replace the front lateral arm (lower control arm) on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine. This procedure involves disconnecting the ball joint, removing mounting bolts, and installing a new lateral arm.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front lower lateral arm (control arm) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint nut × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Control arm bushings (if not included with arm) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise front of vehicle using floor jack at frame lifting point
5. Support vehicle securely on jack stands placed under frame rails
6. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
7. Spray penetrating oil on ball joint nut and control arm bolts, allow to soak 10-15 minutes

Procedure

1. 1

   Support the lower control arm
   Position a floor jack under the outer end of the lower control arm near the ball joint to support the weight of the suspension. Raise jack just enough to contact the arm without lifting the vehicle. This prevents the suspension from dropping when components are disconnected.
2. 2

   Disconnect the ball joint from steering knuckle
   Remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud using an 18mm socket. If cotter pin is present, remove it first. Use a ball joint separator or pickle fork to break the taper connection between the ball joint and steering knuckle. Strike the separator firmly with a hammer until the ball joint pops free. Remove the separator tool.
   ⚠Ball joint separator can slip suddenly when taper breaks free. Maintain secure footing and hand position.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove front control arm bolt
   Locate the forward mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the front crossmember. This bolt passes through the front bushing of the control arm. Use a 21mm socket to remove the bolt completely. Note the orientation of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove rear control arm bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt that secures the control arm to the frame bracket. This bolt passes through the rear bushing of the control arm. Use a 21mm socket to remove the bolt completely. Support the control arm as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove the lateral arm assembly
   Lower the floor jack slowly to release suspension tension. Maneuver the lateral arm down and out from the mounting points. You may need to angle the arm to clear the steering knuckle and frame brackets. Inspect the removed arm for wear, bent components, or damaged bushings.
6. 6

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes in the frame brackets and crossmember. Remove any rust, dirt, or debris. Inspect the mounting points for cracks or damage. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads and mounting surfaces.
7. 7

   Position new lateral arm
   Maneuver the new lateral arm into position with the ball joint end toward the steering knuckle and the bushing ends aligned with the frame mounting points. Raise the floor jack under the control arm to compress the suspension slightly and align the mounting holes. Verify the arm is oriented correctly with the ball joint stud pointing upward.
8. 8

   Install control arm mounting bolts
   Insert the front and rear control arm mounting bolts through the frame brackets and bushings. Thread the nuts onto the bolts by hand. Snug the bolts but DO NOT torque them yet. The control arm bolts must be torqued at normal ride height with vehicle weight on the wheels to prevent bushing bind and premature wear.
   ⚠Do not fully torque control arm bolts until vehicle is at normal ride height. Torquing in wrong position will damage bushings.
   Torque spec

   Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
   Use the floor jack to raise the control arm until the ball joint stud aligns with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the stud into the knuckle. Install the new ball joint castle nut and tighten to specification using an 18mm socket and torque wrench. If the castle nut slots don't align with the cotter pin hole, tighten further (never loosen) until alignment is achieved. Install new cotter pin and bend the ends to secure.
   Torque spec

   Ball Joint Nut119 Nm (88 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a 21mm socket, snug but not final torque. Remove the jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded. This is the normal ride height position.
11. 11

    Final torque control arm bolts at ride height
    With the vehicle at normal ride height (weight on wheels but not fully lowered off jack), torque the front and rear control arm mounting bolts to specification. Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench. Torque both bolts in the sequence: front first, then rear. This ensures the bushings are not pre-loaded in the wrong position.
    ℹ️This step is critical for bushing longevity. Bushings must be torqued at normal ride height only.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Complete wheel installation
    Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a 21mm socket and torque wrench. Double-check that all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all fasteners are properly torqued, especially control arm bolts which must be torqued at ride height
2. Ensure ball joint castle nut is secured with cotter pin
3. Remove wheel chocks from rear wheels

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify no unusual noises or vibrations from front suspension
• Perform a visual inspection under the vehicle to confirm no loose bolts or components
• Schedule a professional wheel alignment within 50 miles as suspension geometry has been altered
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify control arm bolt torque

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