Replace the front strut mounts on a 2014 Ram 2500 4WD with 6.7L Cummins diesel engine, including strut removal, mount replacement, and reinstallation with proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front strut mount assembly (left) × 1 — Mopar 68088605AA or equivalent
• Front strut mount assembly (right) × 1 — Mopar 68088605AA or equivalent
• Strut mount bearing (if not included) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Apply penetrating oil to strut tower nuts, strut-to-knuckle bolts, and sway bar link nuts. Allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at factory lift point on frame
6. Support vehicle on jack stands placed under frame rails, ensuring vehicle is stable
7. Remove front wheels completely and set aside
8. Inspect strut assembly, coil spring, and surrounding components for damage or excessive corrosion

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect sway bar link from strut
   Locate the sway bar link connecting to the strut assembly. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft of the sway bar link to prevent rotation. Using an 18mm socket, remove the upper nut connecting the link to the strut. If the ball joint spins, apply upward pressure on the control arm while holding the Allen key firmly. Once disconnected, swing the link out of the way or support it with wire.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove strut-to-knuckle bolts
   Locate the two bolts connecting the strut to the steering knuckle at the bottom of the strut assembly. These are large 18mm bolts with nuts on the backside. Use an 18mm socket on the bolt head and an 18mm wrench on the nut side. Note the orientation of any alignment cam washers if present. Remove both bolts completely. The knuckle and hub assembly will now be free from the strut. Support the knuckle/hub assembly by placing a jack stand or block under the lower control arm or by tying it up with wire to prevent stress on the brake hose and ABS wiring.
   ⚠The knuckle assembly is heavy and will drop when the second bolt is removed. Ensure it is properly supported to avoid damaging brake lines, ABS sensors, or CV axle.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Access and remove strut tower mounting nuts
   Open the vehicle hood. Locate the strut tower in the engine compartment near the fender well. Remove any plastic covers or engine bay components blocking access to the three strut tower mounting nuts (15mm). You may need to move wiring harnesses or vacuum lines aside. Using a 15mm socket, remove all three nuts from the top of the strut tower. Keep these nuts as they will be reused.
   ⚠On the 6.7L Cummins diesel, engine components may be very close to the strut towers. Work carefully to avoid disconnecting emission control lines or electrical connectors.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove strut assembly from vehicle
   With the top nuts removed and bottom bolts disconnected, carefully lower and guide the strut assembly out from the wheel well. The assembly is heavy (approximately 40-50 lbs with the diesel's heavy-duty components). Angle the assembly as needed to clear the CV axle, brake components, and wheel well. Place the strut assembly on a stable work surface.
   ⚠The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Use proper lifting technique and consider having an assistant help guide it out of the confined wheel well.
5. 5

   Compress coil spring
   Install the spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring (180 degrees apart), engaging at least 3-4 coils on each side. Gradually tighten the compressor tools in an alternating pattern, making 2-3 turns on one side, then 2-3 turns on the other side. Continue compressing until the spring tension is completely released from the strut mount and the spring can move slightly. Verify the spring is adequately compressed before proceeding.
   ⚠️Springs under compression store enormous energy. Ensure spring compressor tools are properly engaged in the coils and rated for this application. Never place any body part in the potential trajectory if a compressor slips. Compress slowly and evenly.
6. 6

   Remove strut shaft nut and top mount
   With the spring fully compressed, locate the large nut on top of the strut shaft (typically 18-21mm). Hold the strut shaft from rotating using a hex socket or shaft-holding tool inserted into the top of the shaft. Remove the top nut completely. Carefully remove the top mount assembly, bearing plate, upper spring isolator, and spring seat. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly. Inspect the bearing for smooth rotation; if binding or rough, replace it.
   ⚠Even with the spring compressed, there may be residual tension. Remove components carefully and keep your face clear of the assembly.
7. 7

   Install new strut mount
   Clean the strut shaft threads with a wire brush. Install components in reverse order: bump stop (if removed), spring seat, lower spring isolator, compressed spring (ensuring proper orientation with spring end seated in spring seat pocket), upper spring isolator, bearing plate, and new strut mount. Ensure the mount is oriented correctly with the alignment studs positioned to match the strut tower holes. The spring must seat properly in both the lower and upper spring seats.
   ⚠Incorrect spring orientation or seating can cause the spring to dislodge when decompressed, resulting in catastrophic failure. Verify spring ends are fully seated in the spring seat pockets.
8. 8

   Install strut shaft nut and decompress spring
   Thread the strut shaft nut onto the shaft, holding the shaft to prevent rotation. Tighten the nut to the manufacturer's specification (typically 75-90 ft-lb, though this is not in your provided spec list - follow the specification on the new mount or service manual). Once the shaft nut is fully torqued, slowly and evenly release the spring compressor tools in an alternating pattern. As tension releases, verify the spring remains properly seated. Remove the compressor tools completely once the spring is fully extended and under normal load.
   ⚠Decompress the spring slowly and watch for any shifting of components. If anything appears misaligned, stop and re-compress to correct.
9. 9

   Reinstall strut assembly to vehicle
   Lift the strut assembly and guide it back into the wheel well, angling as necessary to clear obstructions. Align the three mounting studs on the top of the strut mount with the holes in the strut tower. Push the assembly up until the studs protrude through the tower. From the engine bay, install the three strut tower nuts finger-tight initially.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque strut tower nuts
    Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, torque all three strut tower nuts to 50.0 Nm (37 ft-lb) in a star pattern to ensure even seating. Verify all three nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect strut to steering knuckle
    Remove any supports from the knuckle assembly and align the strut bracket with the holes in the steering knuckle. If alignment cam washers or bolts were present, install them in the exact same orientation as removed. Insert both strut-to-knuckle bolts and install the nuts on the back side. Tighten the nuts progressively, ensuring the knuckle seats fully against the strut bracket.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque strut-to-knuckle bolts
    Using a torque wrench with 18mm socket, torque both strut-to-knuckle bolts to 165.0 Nm (122 ft-lb). Hold the nut side with an 18mm wrench while torquing the bolt head. Verify both bolts are fully torqued.
    Torque spec

    Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect sway bar link
    Position the sway bar link back into the mounting point on the strut assembly. Install the nut onto the link stud. Insert a 6mm Allen key into the shaft to prevent rotation, then tighten the nut using an 18mm socket. Torque to 55.0 Nm (41 ft-lb) while holding the shaft with the Allen key.
    Torque spec

    Sway Bar Link82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats fully against the hub face. Install all lug nuts and tighten in a star pattern by hand, then snug with a wrench. Repeat for the opposite side if performing both sides. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands using the floor jack until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not yet fully loaded.
    Torque spec

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

    Final torque wheel lug nuts with weight on suspension
    With the vehicle weight on the wheels but still supported slightly by the jack, torque all wheel lug nuts to 183.0 Nm (135 ft-lb) in a star pattern using a torque wrench and 21mm socket. Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack. Perform a final verification that all lug nuts are torqued correctly.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. If control arm bolts were loosened during the procedure, they must be torqued to 165.0 Nm (122 ft-lb) with the vehicle weight on the suspension
2. Reinstall any engine bay covers or components that were removed for strut tower access
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine bay or wheel wells
4. Check that all fasteners have been properly torqued per specifications

Verification

• Perform a visual inspection of all connection points to ensure proper installation
• Start the vehicle and turn the steering wheel fully left and right while stationary to verify no interference or binding
• Test drive the vehicle at low speed in a safe area, checking for unusual noises, vibrations, or steering issues
• Perform several full steering lock turns in both directions while driving slowly
• Check for any clunking, popping, or grinding noises from the strut mounts during driving over bumps
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• Have alignment checked by a professional if vehicle pulls to one side or steering wheel is off-center
• After 500 miles, re-inspect all fasteners and re-torque if necessary

More procedures for this vehicle