Replace the front radius arm on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins Diesel engine. This procedure involves disconnecting suspension components and removing/installing the radius arm assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radius arm assembly × 1 — Mopar 68067145AA or equivalent
• Radius arm mounting bushings × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Ball joint castle nut (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Cotter pin × 1 — Standard castle nut cotter pin

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
5. Remove front wheel on side being serviced
6. Spray all radius arm mounting bolts, ball joint nut, and control arm bolts with penetrating oil
7. Allow vehicle to settle on jack stands for several minutes before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link
   Locate the sway bar link connection to the radius arm or lower control arm. Use an Allen key to hold the shaft while removing the nut with a wrench. Remove the sway bar link from the mounting point to provide clearance for radius arm removal.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove ball joint cotter pin and nut
   Locate the ball joint connection where the radius arm connects to the steering knuckle. Remove the cotter pin using pliers or wire cutters. Using a 21mm socket, remove the castle nut from the ball joint stud. Keep the nut if it is in good condition with undamaged threads.
   ⚠Do not reuse damaged or corroded castle nuts. Replace with new hardware if threads are stripped or damaged.
   Torque spec

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

   Separate ball joint from knuckle
   Using a ball joint separator tool or pickle fork, carefully separate the radius arm ball joint from the steering knuckle. Position the tool between the radius arm and knuckle, then strike with a hammer or use a press-type separator to break the taper. Support the radius arm with your hand to prevent it from dropping suddenly.
   ⚠The radius arm will drop when the ball joint separates. Be prepared to support the weight to prevent damage to brake lines or other components.
4. 4

   Support radius arm
   Position a floor jack or jack stand under the radius arm to support its weight before removing the mounting bolts. This prevents the arm from dropping and allows controlled removal.
   ℹ️Supporting the radius arm prevents strain on remaining fasteners and makes installation easier by maintaining proper alignment.
5. 5

   Remove front radius arm mounting bolt
   Locate the front mounting bolt where the radius arm attaches to the frame bracket near the front axle. This is typically a large horizontal bolt. Use a breaker bar and appropriate socket to remove the bolt and any associated hardware. Note the orientation and position of any washers or spacers for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rear radius arm mounting bolt
   Locate the rear mounting bolt where the radius arm attaches to the frame rail. This bolt passes through the radius arm bushing. Remove the bolt completely using a socket and breaker bar. The radius arm may need to be maneuvered slightly to clear the bolt.
   ⚠The radius arm may shift position when the rear bolt is removed. Ensure the jack is properly supporting the arm.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove radius arm from vehicle
   With all mounting points disconnected, carefully lower the jack supporting the radius arm. Guide the radius arm out from the suspension assembly, maneuvering around brake lines, ABS sensors, and other components. The arm may need to be rotated or angled to clear the frame and suspension components.
   ⚠Avoid contact with brake lines, ABS wiring, and steering components during removal to prevent damage.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting points and bushings
   Clean all mounting surfaces on the frame brackets with a wire brush. Inspect frame mounting points for cracks, damage, or excessive wear. Check the condition of bushings in the new radius arm. If installing a used radius arm, inspect bushings for cracking, tearing, or deterioration and replace if necessary.
   ℹ️Damaged frame mounting points or worn bushings will cause alignment issues and premature wear. Replace any damaged components before installation.
9. 9

   Install new radius arm
   Position the new radius arm into the vehicle, guiding it into place while avoiding contact with brake lines and other components. Align the mounting holes with the frame brackets. Insert the rear mounting bolt first but do not tighten. Support the arm with a jack to maintain alignment.
   ℹ️Install mounting bolts finger-tight initially to allow for adjustment and proper alignment before final torquing.
10. 10

    Install front mounting bolt
    Align the front of the radius arm with the frame bracket near the axle. Install any spacers or washers in their original positions. Insert the front mounting bolt and thread it in by hand. Use the jack under the radius arm to adjust position if needed for alignment. Tighten bolt snug but do not torque yet.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect ball joint to steering knuckle
    Raise the outer end of the radius arm using the jack to align the ball joint stud with the hole in the steering knuckle. Insert the ball joint stud into the knuckle taper. Install the castle nut and tighten to specification using a torque wrench. Align the castle nut slots with the ball joint stud hole and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends to secure.
    ⚠Do not loosen the castle nut to align cotter pin holes. If necessary, tighten slightly more until holes align. Never back off from the specified torque.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link into its mounting point on the radius arm or control arm. Install the retaining nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key to prevent rotation. Tighten to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Install wheel and lower vehicle partially
    Install the wheel onto the hub and thread all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a socket until snug but not fully torqued. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground with partial weight on the suspension, but keep jack stands in place for safety.
    ℹ️Radius arm mounting bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on the wheels to ensure proper bushing alignment and prevent premature wear.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Torque radius arm mounting bolts
    With vehicle weight partially on the wheels, use a torque wrench to tighten the front and rear radius arm mounting bolts to specification. Torque both bolts in sequence, checking each with the torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.
    ⚠Critical step: Mounting bolts must be torqued with vehicle weight on suspension. Failure to do so will cause bushing binding and premature failure.
    Torque spec

    Control Arm Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Final wheel installation and torque
    Raise the vehicle slightly and remove jack stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground. Torque all wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Double-check all fasteners for proper tightness.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all mounting bolts are torqued to specification with vehicle weight on wheels
2. Confirm ball joint castle nut is properly torqued and cotter pin is installed
3. Check that no brake lines, ABS wiring, or other components are pinched or in contact with moving suspension parts
4. Repeat procedure for opposite side if replacing both radius arms

Verification

• Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area and listen for unusual noises from the front suspension
• Check for proper steering response and verify no pulling to either side
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque all radius arm mounting bolts and wheel lug nuts to specification
• Schedule a professional four-wheel alignment within 100 miles of repair to ensure proper tire wear and handling
• Visually inspect radius arm mounting points after first week of driving for any signs of movement or loosening

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