steering

Tie Rods - Both Sides

for 2014 Ram 2500 6.7L I6 Cummins Diesel · 4WD

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

3.2 h

Tools

Steps

Replace both inner and outer tie rod ends on both sides of the steering system to restore proper steering linkage and alignment capability.

Warnings

⚠Vehicle must receive a professional wheel alignment after tie rod replacement. Driving without proper alignment can cause tire wear and unsafe handling.

⚠Never use heat on tie rod components as this can damage boots and joints.

⚠️Ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands rated for the vehicle weight. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack.

ℹ️Tie rod threads may be corroded. Apply penetrating oil 30 minutes before starting work.

Tools required

Floor jack and jack standsEssential

Wheel chocksEssential

19mm socket for lug nutsEssential

Tie rod end separator or pickle forkEssential

18mm wrench for tie rod end nutsEssential

Adjustable wrench or large pliers for jam nutsEssential

Torque wrench (30-200 Nm range)Essential

Wire brush

Penetrating oil

Tape measure or thread counting toolEssential

Hammer

New cotter pinsEssential

Diagonal cutters for cotter pin removalEssential

White paint marker or masking tapeEssential

Parts

Outer tie rod end - driver side × 1 — OEM or Moog ES3624S equivalent
Outer tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — OEM or Moog ES3624S equivalent
Inner tie rod end - driver side × 1 — OEM or Moog EV800931 equivalent
Inner tie rod end - passenger side × 1 — OEM or Moog EV800931 equivalent
Cotter pins - castle nut size × 4 — Use appropriate size for tie rod ends

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and set parking brake firmly
Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
Spray all tie rod end nuts and jam nuts with penetrating oil and allow to soak
Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
Lift front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands under frame rails
Remove both front wheels completely
Verify steering wheel is centered and mark the position with tape

Procedure

1
Document outer tie rod position - driver side
Count and record the exact number of threads visible between the outer tie rod end and the jam nut (lock nut). Use a paint marker to mark the relationship between the outer tie rod, jam nut, and inner tie rod shaft. Measure the overall length from the center of the outer tie rod ball joint to the inner tie rod mounting point. This documentation is critical for approximate re-assembly toe setting.
2
Remove outer tie rod end - driver side
Remove the cotter pin from the tie rod end castle nut using diagonal cutters. Remove the castle nut completely. Use a tie rod end separator or pickle fork to separate the tie rod end from the steering knuckle - strike the separator firmly with a hammer until the taper releases. Loosen the jam nut (lock nut) on the inner tie rod shaft but do not remove yet. Unthread the outer tie rod end by turning it counterclockwise, counting the exact number of turns required for removal.
3
Remove inner tie rod end - driver side
Fully remove the jam nut from the inner tie rod. The inner tie rod is threaded into the steering rack. Use a large adjustable wrench or pipe wrench on the flats of the inner tie rod (if accessible) to unthread it counterclockwise from the steering rack. Some inner tie rods may require access from underneath or removal of the steering rack boot. Remove the inner tie rod completely and inspect the rack boot for damage.
4
Install new inner tie rod end - driver side
Clean the threads on the steering rack with a wire brush. Thread the new inner tie rod end clockwise into the steering rack by hand until it seats. The inner tie rod should thread in smoothly - do not force. Once hand-tight, the inner tie rod does not typically have a specific torque specification as it relies on the jam nut to secure it, but ensure it is fully seated and tight against the rack.
5
Install new outer tie rod end - driver side
Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the new inner tie rod shaft the same number of turns that were counted during removal, or use your measurement marks to approximate the original position. Do not tighten the jam nut yet. Insert the tie rod end taper into the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque the tie rod end nut to specification and install a new cotter pin through the castle nut slots. Bend cotter pin ends to secure.
Torque spec
Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
6
Secure jam nut - driver side
Hold the outer tie rod end to prevent it from turning (use a wrench on the flats near the ball joint). Torque the jam nut (lock nut) to specification. This locks the outer tie rod position on the inner tie rod shaft. Note: Final torque will be applied after alignment, but initial torque secures the position for driving to alignment shop.
Torque spec
Tie Rod Lock Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
7
Document outer tie rod position - passenger side
Repeat the documentation process for the passenger side: count threads, mark relationships with paint marker, and measure overall length. This ensures both sides are set to approximately the same toe setting for safe transport to alignment.
8
Remove outer tie rod end - passenger side
Remove the cotter pin from the passenger side tie rod end castle nut. Remove the castle nut. Use the tie rod end separator to release the taper from the steering knuckle. Loosen the jam nut. Unthread the outer tie rod end, counting the turns for removal.
9
Remove inner tie rod end - passenger side
Remove the jam nut completely. Unthread the inner tie rod end from the steering rack using an adjustable wrench on the inner tie rod flats. Remove completely and inspect the rack boot for tears or damage.
10
Install new inner tie rod end - passenger side
Clean the steering rack threads. Thread the new inner tie rod end clockwise into the steering rack by hand until fully seated and tight. Ensure smooth threading without cross-threading.
11
Install new outer tie rod end - passenger side
Thread the new outer tie rod end onto the inner tie rod shaft using the same number of turns or measurement marks from removal. Insert the taper into the steering knuckle and install the castle nut. Torque the castle nut to specification and install a new cotter pin. Bend the cotter pin ends securely.
Torque spec
Tie Rod End Castle Nut55 Nm (41 lb-ft)
12
Secure jam nut - passenger side
Hold the outer tie rod end stationary and torque the jam nut (lock nut) to specification to lock the adjustment in place.
Torque spec
Tie Rod Lock Nut92 Nm (68 lb-ft)
13
Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
Install both front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just touch the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque the wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
Torque spec
Wheel Lug Nuts183 Nm (135 lb-ft)

Reassembly

Verify all cotter pins are properly installed and bent to prevent backing out
Ensure steering wheel is still centered and turns lock-to-lock smoothly without binding
Check that all jam nuts are torqued and outer tie rod ends do not rotate freely

Verification

Start engine and turn steering wheel lock-to-lock while stationary - listen for any unusual noises or binding
Visually inspect all tie rod end connections for proper seating and cotter pin installation
Test drive vehicle at low speed in a safe area to verify steering responds normally - vehicle will likely pull to one side due to toe misalignment
Schedule and complete a professional 4-wheel alignment immediately - provide alignment shop with specifications for 2014 Ram 2500 4WD
After alignment, verify jam nuts are torqued to final specification by the alignment technician
Re-check all fasteners after first 50 miles of driving