Replace the rear strut mount on a 2014 Ram 2500 with 6.7L Cummins diesel, requiring strut removal and replacement of the upper mount assembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear strut mount assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Strut mount bearing (if separate) × 1 — Verify if included with mount assembly
• Upper strut mount hardware kit × 1 — Often included with mount

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
4. Apply penetrating oil to strut tower nuts and strut-to-knuckle bolts, allow 15-30 minutes to penetrate
5. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear axle or frame contact points
6. Support vehicle with jack stands placed on frame rails, ensuring stands are secure and vehicle is stable
7. Remove rear wheel completely
8. Inspect work area and identify strut tower access (may require interior trim removal or access from cargo area)

Procedure

1. 1

   Access upper strut mount
   Access the upper strut mount nuts from inside the vehicle cargo area. On some configurations, you may need to remove cargo area trim panels or access panels to reach the strut tower. The upper mount is typically accessible through the inner fender well area. Clean debris from around the upper strut mount nuts to prevent contamination from falling into the strut assembly.
2. 2

   Support rear axle
   Place a floor jack under the rear axle near the strut location to support the weight of the axle and suspension. Raise the jack just enough to take the load off the strut, but do not lift the axle. This prevents the axle from dropping when the strut is disconnected and allows controlled lowering during removal. Ensure the jack is stable and positioned securely.
   ⚠The axle must remain supported throughout strut removal to prevent sudden dropping which could damage brake lines, wiring, or cause injury.
3. 3

   Disconnect sway bar link if necessary
   If the sway bar link interferes with strut removal, disconnect it from either the link or the axle mounting point. Hold the shaft with an Allen key to prevent spinning while removing the nut. Note the orientation and position of washers and bushings for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Sway Bar Link82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove lower strut mounting bolts
   Locate the two bolts securing the strut to the rear knuckle or axle bracket. These are large bolts that pass through the strut mounting bracket. Use a breaker bar if necessary to break them loose. Remove both bolts completely and retain hardware. The strut will now be held only by the upper mount nuts.
   ⚠Ensure axle jack remains in position and strut is supported before removing these bolts.
   Torque spec

   Strut-to-Knuckle Bolts165 Nm (122 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper strut tower nuts
   From inside the vehicle or through the access point, remove the upper strut mount nuts (typically 3 nuts). Hold the strut from below to prevent it from falling. Once all nuts are removed, carefully lower the strut assembly down and out of the vehicle. You may need to angle or maneuver the strut to clear the wheel well opening.
   ⚠️The strut assembly is heavy and awkward. Have an assistant help guide it out if possible, or ensure you have secure footing and control.
   Torque spec

   Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Install spring compressor
   Place the strut assembly in a secure vise or on a stable work surface. Install spring compressor tools on opposite sides of the coil spring, ensuring the compressor hooks are properly seated in the coils. Following the spring compressor manufacturer's instructions, alternately tighten the compressors evenly to compress the spring. Compress until tension is removed from the upper strut mount (you should be able to see a gap or feel that the mount is loose).
   ⚠️This is the most dangerous step. Ensure spring compressors are rated for this vehicle's springs and are properly installed. Compress evenly and slowly. Never place your face or body over the compressed spring.
7. 7

   Remove strut shaft nut and upper mount
   With the spring fully compressed, hold the strut shaft with an appropriate tool (large Allen key or shaft holding tool) and remove the upper strut shaft nut. Carefully remove the upper strut mount, bearing plate, spring seat, and any isolators or bushings. Note the exact order and orientation of all components for reassembly. Remove the compressed spring carefully and set aside.
   ⚠️Keep spring compressors installed and tight throughout this process. Do not release spring compression until reassembly is complete.
8. 8

   Install new strut mount
   Inspect the strut shaft for damage. Clean the shaft threads with a wire brush. Install the compressed spring onto the strut body, ensuring it is properly seated in the lower spring seat. Install any lower isolators, then the upper spring seat, bearing (if separate), and the new strut mount assembly in the exact order removed. Ensure all components are properly oriented and aligned.
9. 9

   Install and torque strut shaft nut
   Install the upper strut shaft nut while holding the shaft to prevent rotation. Torque the nut to manufacturer specification (typically 70-100 Nm, but verify for this specific vehicle - if not provided in your documentation, use 85 Nm as a reasonable estimate). Ensure the mount is properly seated and centered on the strut tower mounting studs.
   ℹ️The exact torque specification for the strut shaft nut is not provided in the database. Consult factory service manual or the strut mount manufacturer's instructions.
10. 10

    Release spring compressor
    Carefully and evenly loosen the spring compressor tools, alternating between sides to release spring tension gradually. Ensure the spring seats properly into both upper and lower spring seats as tension is released. Once fully released, remove the spring compressor tools. Verify the spring is seated correctly and the mount is properly positioned.
    ⚠️Release tension slowly and evenly. Watch for proper spring seating. If anything appears misaligned, re-compress and correct before proceeding.
11. 11

    Reinstall strut assembly
    Maneuver the strut assembly back into position in the vehicle. Guide the upper mount studs through the strut tower holes from below. You may need to use the floor jack to raise the axle slightly to align the lower mounting brackets. Install the upper strut tower nuts hand-tight first to hold the assembly in position.
12. 12

    Install lower strut bolts
    Align the lower strut mounting bracket with the knuckle or axle bracket holes. Install both strut-to-knuckle bolts and tighten hand-tight. Ensure proper alignment before final torquing. Use the floor jack to adjust axle height if needed for alignment.
13. 13

    Torque all strut fasteners
    First, torque the upper strut tower nuts to specification in a star pattern to ensure even loading. Then torque the lower strut-to-knuckle bolts to specification. If the sway bar link was disconnected, reconnect it and torque the nut while holding the shaft with an Allen key.
    Torque spec

    Strut Tower Nuts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)

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

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

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the rear wheel and thread lug nuts by hand. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the lug nuts in a star pattern to specification. Then fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands. With the vehicle weight on the suspension, re-check lug nut torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Repeat the entire procedure for the opposite side if replacing both rear strut mounts
2. Verify all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools or parts were left in the work area
3. If interior trim panels were removed for strut tower access, reinstall them securely
4. Test drive the vehicle in a safe area at low speeds first to verify proper operation before returning to normal driving

Verification

• Visually inspect that the strut is properly seated in both upper and lower mounting points
• Check that all fasteners are tight and properly torqued
• Bounce each rear corner of the vehicle and verify the strut dampens properly with no unusual noises
• Verify no clunking or knocking sounds from the rear suspension during test drive
• Check for proper ride height and that the vehicle sits level
• Inspect upper strut mount area for any signs of rubbing or interference
• Professional alignment is recommended after suspension work, though strut mount replacement typically does not affect alignment settings
• Monitor the repair area for the first 100 miles and re-check fastener torque if any concerns arise

More procedures for this vehicle