Remove and replace the front axle track bar (panhard bar) that controls lateral axle movement and steering stability on the 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Track bar assembly × 1 — Mopar 68214094AB or equivalent heavy-duty track bar
• Track bar mounting bolts × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Track bar frame bracket bolt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Center the steering wheel and note steering position for reference
4. Spray penetrating oil on all track bar mounting bolts and allow 15-20 minutes to soak
5. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground

Procedure

1. 1

   Raise and support vehicle
   Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack at the front differential housing. Once raised to working height, place jack stands under the frame rails behind the lower control arm mounts. Lower vehicle onto stands. Remove both front wheels completely.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Support front axle
   Position a floor jack under the front axle differential to support the axle assembly. Raise jack just until it makes contact and barely supports the weight, but do not lift the axle. This prevents the axle from dropping when the track bar is removed.
   ⚠The jack must remain in place throughout the procedure to control axle movement.
3. 3

   Remove frame bracket bolt
   Locate the track bar mounting point on the driver side frame rail. Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the bolt securing the track bar to the frame bracket. This is the upper mounting point. Support the track bar weight as you remove the bolt to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   ℹ️Bolt may be extremely tight due to preload. Use breaker bar for initial break.
4. 4

   Remove axle mounting bolt
   Locate the track bar mounting point on the passenger side of the front axle housing. Using an 18mm socket on the bolt head and a 22mm wrench on the nut, remove the bolt securing the track bar to the axle bracket. This is the lower mounting point. You may need to use a pry bar to relieve tension on the bolt.
   ⚠The axle may shift slightly when bolt is removed. Ensure jack is supporting axle weight.
5. 5

   Remove track bar assembly
   Carefully lower and remove the track bar from the vehicle. Inspect the mounting bushings on both ends for wear, cracking, or separation. Inspect the frame and axle mounting brackets for cracks, elongated holes, or damage. Clean all mounting surfaces with a wire brush.
   ℹ️Track bar weighs approximately 15-20 lbs. Use proper lifting technique.
6. 6

   Prepare new track bar
   Unpack the new track bar and verify it matches the original in length and mounting configuration. Ensure all bushings are properly seated in their housings. Apply a light coat of anti-seize compound to the bolt threads (not the bolt heads or contact surfaces).
7. 7

   Install track bar to axle bracket
   Position the new track bar and align the axle-side mounting eye with the bracket on the passenger side of the front axle. Insert the axle mounting bolt from the front of the bracket toward the rear. Thread the nut on finger-tight only at this stage. You may need to use the floor jack to raise or lower the axle slightly to align the holes.
   ℹ️Do not fully torque fasteners until both ends are connected and vehicle is at ride height.
8. 8

   Install track bar to frame bracket
   Align the frame-side mounting eye with the bracket on the driver side frame rail. You may need to use a pry bar or dead blow hammer to align the holes, as the bushing preload creates resistance. Insert the frame bracket bolt and thread it finger-tight. Verify both mounting points are properly seated with no binding.
   ⚠Do not force alignment with excessive prying. Adjust axle position with floor jack if needed.
9. 9

   Reinstall wheels
   Reinstall both front wheels and thread lug nuts on by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern until snug but not fully torqued. This will be completed after lowering the vehicle.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Lower vehicle to ride height
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands using the floor jack. Remove jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle until the suspension is at normal ride height with full vehicle weight on the wheels. Do not lower completely to the ground yet. Remove the floor jack from under the axle.
    ℹ️Track bar bolts must be torqued with suspension at ride height to prevent bushing bind.
11. 11

    Torque track bar fasteners
    With the vehicle at ride height and weight on the suspension, torque the axle mounting bolt to 125 lb-ft using the 18mm socket while holding the nut with a 22mm wrench. Then torque the frame bracket bolt to 125 lb-ft using the 21mm socket. Apply torque in a smooth, steady motion.
    ⚠These torque specifications are critical for proper track bar function and bushing life. Use calibrated torque wrench.
12. 12

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque the wheel lug nuts to 135 lb-ft in a star pattern. Double-check all track bar fastener torques one final time.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify steering wheel remains centered after installation
2. Check that all fasteners are properly torqued
3. Verify no contact between track bar and any brake lines, wiring, or other components through full suspension travel
4. Remove all tools and equipment from under vehicle

Verification

• Start vehicle and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary to verify no binding or interference
• Test drive vehicle at low speed and verify steering returns to center properly
• Listen for any clunking or knocking from front suspension during steering input
• Check for proper steering response with no wandering or excessive play
• Schedule professional alignment check within 100 miles to verify proper toe and center steering

More procedures for this vehicle